The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects allegedly linked to the August 24 attack on police officers in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state, during which two civilians were killed and three policemen injured.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists during a press briefing and parade of suspects at the Command headquarters in Osogbo.

According to the Commissioner, the incident occurred 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 said the policemen were confronted by about 30 armed hoodlums who allegedly attacked them and forcefully snatched an AK-47 rifle from one of the officers.

Zungura said one of the hoodlums, identified as “Ayewo”, allegedly took the rifle and began shooting sporadically, hitting three policemen and two passers-by.

He said the two civilians later died from the injuries sustained, while the injured policemen were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The CP said the suspected attackers fled the scene with the stolen police rifle, prompting an intelligence-driven investigation by the Command.

He disclosed that, following credible intelligence and technical analysis of information gathered in connection with the incident, operatives arrested four suspects on Wednesday, August 26.

The suspects were identified as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20.

Zungura said one cutlass-like object was recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest.

According to him, the suspects, during preliminary interrogation, allegedly confessed to being political thugs and identified Ayewo, whose other name was unknown, as the leader of their faction.

He said the suspects also allegedly told investigators that Ayewo was responsible for firing the stolen AK-47 rifle during the attack.

The Commissioner said, “During preliminary interrogation, they all confessed to be political thugs and their faction is headed by one Ayewo, other name unknown, and it was Ayewo that shot the snatched AK-47 rifle that hit the victims.”

He, however, stressed that investigation was still ongoing, particularly efforts to apprehend Ayewo and other suspects who remain at large.

The Commissioner commended the police operatives involved in the investigation for what he described as professionalism, dedication and effective utilisation of intelligence and technical capabilities in tracking down the suspects.

Zungura assured members of the public that the Command would continue its investigation until all those found to have participated in or contributed to the crime were brought to justice.

He said, “Every individual found to have participated in or contributed to the commission of the offence will be made to face the full weight of the law.”

The CP also appealed to members of the public to continue providing the police with credible and timely information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.

He reiterated the commitment of the Osun State Police Command to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security across the state.

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