The Osun State Police Command on Thursday disclosed that four suspected political thugs arrested in connection with the violent attack on policemen and the snatching of an AK-47 rifle from a police officer at Naira and Kobo area of Ikire are currently being quizzed by the command.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, who made this known at a press briefing in Osogbo, said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday following credible intelligence and painstaking technical analysis of information gathered in the aftermath of Monday’s incident.

He, however, gave the suspects’ names as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20.

According to him, the incident occurred on August 24 when the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Ikire, and his men responded to a distress call at the Naira and Kobo area of the town.

He stressed that, “the policemen were confronted by about 30 armed hoodlums who allegedly descended on the officers and forcefully took an AK-47 rifle from one of them.”

“One of the suspected hoodlums, identified as Ayewo, allegedly used the stolen rifle to shoot sporadically, hitting three policemen and two passers-by.”

“Thr6 two civilians subsequently died from injuries sustained during the shooting, while the injured policemen were taken to hospital for medical attention.”

“The suspects arrested in connection with the incident had, during preliminary interrogation, allegedly confessed to being political thugs.”

He added that the suspects claimed to belong to a faction allegedly headed by one Ayewo, whose other name and whereabouts were yet to be established.

Zungura said Ayewo was allegedly identified by the arrested suspects as the person who fired the stolen AK-47 during the attack.

He, however, stressed that investigation was still ongoing, with the police intensifying efforts to apprehend Ayewo and other suspects believed to be at large.

The Commissioner commended the operatives who participated in the investigation, describing their efforts as a demonstration of professionalism, dedication and effective use of intelligence and technical capabilities.

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He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue all those linked to the incident, adding that anyone found to have participated in or contributed to the commission of the offence would be prosecuted.

The development came amid heightened concern over the security situation in Ikire following the violent incident, which resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three policemen.

Zungura appealed to residents of the state to assist the police with credible and timely information that could help in tracking the fleeing suspects and preventing further attacks.

He said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Osun State.