Ogun police arrests 6 for causing mayhem in Awolowo’s town, Ikenne

By OUR REPORTER

The Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command says it has arrested six suspects for unleashing terror on Ikenne Remo area of the state, following a protracted Obaship tussle, which is presently a subject of litigation in court.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER.

According to him, crisis broke out in the town on Friday 5th of March, 2021, following the decision of the reigning Oba of the town, Oba Onakade, to celebrate a traditional festival known as “Jabajaba”, towards which a town crier was sent round the community for the preparatory rites.

Ikenne is the country home of late former Premier of Nigeria’s Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo.

“This did not go down well with the opposing side who allegedly attacked the town crier and seized the gong. They also accused the Oba of trying to forcefully fence off a piece of land where traditional rites are performed in the town.

“This led to a fracas between the two parties, following which the two sides suffered some injures and some homes damaged. Policemen led by the Area Commander Shagamu were quickly deployed to the area and the situation was brought under control.

“Today being 6th of March 2021, the commissioner of Police Ogun State, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun moved to the town for an on- the-spot assessment and peace talk. The CP who met separately with the two opposing sides, warned them to eschew violence and follow the due process of the law to resolve their differences.

“While the CP and his entourage were still on the peace mission within the town, information was received that some people suspected to be hired thugs and Agbekoyas, popular Yoruba hunters’ group, were shooting sporadically in retaliation against their properties allegedly damaged, and in the process, injured about four people. The CP there and then ordered that they should be chased and brought to book.

“Six amongst them, namely: Olasunkanmi Enigbokan, Oluwashina Kafisanwo, Olusegun Odukoya, Lawal Adebayo, Suraju Animashun and Qudus Mabadeje were arrested with dangerous weapons and assorted charms and have confessed to the offence.

“Meanwhile, the injured persons have been taken to the hospital and are responding positively to treatment.

“It is pertinent to note that no death is recorded contrary to rumour being peddled around.

“The CP has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation and prosecution. He has further warned that anybody caught with offensive weapons or attempting to harm any person or destroy any property will be dealt with decisively.

“However, peace is gradually returning to the town as more policemen have been deployed to beef up security in the town,” DSP Oyeyemi said.