OSUN LAND DISPUTE: POLICE ARREST 18, INCLUDING CHIEFS, OVER VIOLENCE, ASSAULT ON OFFICERS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
No fewer than two community chiefs, a hunters’ association leader, and 15 residents have been arrested in connection with violence arising from a long-standing boundary and land ownership dispute between Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities, which allegedly resulted in attacks on three police officers.
The arrests followed a renewed clash involving residents of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, reportedly triggered by the protracted crisis.
A video seen by HOTJIST on Sunday showed a man in a police uniform allegedly being assaulted and forced to kneel during what appeared to be a public gathering.
In the same Facebook video, which lasted over three minutes and was posted by one Olarewaju Ojo on Saturday, the caption read, “Mob brutalises police constable in Osun community, forces him to kneel and apologize for alleged tear gas shooting in Ilobu-Erin-Osun crisis.”
Previous incidents linked to the dispute have reportedly led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Earlier reports had indicated that four suspects were arrested. However, it was gathered on Sunday that the number had increased to 18 following the arrest of 14 additional suspects, including local chiefs, after a fresh clash in which weapons were also recovered.
The state police command identified the arrested chiefs as the Baale of Apeponroro, Olaitan Bashiru, 53; Baale of Oke Ayepe, Tajudeen Aralamo, 65; and the head of hunters, Oluode of Ilobu, Mustau Salam, 45.
According to the police, some suspects initially went into hiding after the incident but were later apprehended through ongoing investigations.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrests and recovery of weapons in a statement issued on Sunday.
He disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, coordinated a sustained, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrests.
“In a sustained and intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, the command has successfully arrested an additional 14 suspects, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to 18,” Ojelabi said.
He added that the operation led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, and a cutlass.
The police said the suspects comprise community leaders and residents of Erin-Osun and Ilobu, aged between 18 and 65, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In addition to the three chiefs, those arrested include Jimoh Nurudeen, 20; Adeboye Ashifa, 63; Ajibola Segun, 40; Mustapha Muwaliu, 38; Jimoh Quyum, 26; Ajani Faruq, 20; Musibau Jimoh, 35; Ajani Faruq, 18; Olaniyan Quadri, 40; Fatai Oyawoyin, 50; Basiru Olaogun, 55; Mutairu Olawoyin, 49; Ige Jimoh, 60; Olawoyin Samad, 18; and Tajudeen Taorid, 18.
“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding the human rights of all individuals and assures that those involved will face the full weight of the law.
“Members of the public are advised to remain law-abiding and refrain from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. We also urge residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information,” Ojelabi added.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies to help maintain peace in the affected communities.
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