A Magistrate Court sitting in the Orile-Igbon Magisterial District of Ogbomoso has ordered the remand of 15 suspects in connection with the brutal attack on Aagba village in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspects, arrested by the Oyo State Police Command, were arraigned on charges including criminal conspiracy, arson, armed robbery, and murder. The court directed that they be held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abolongo pending further investigation.
The attack, which occurred on April 5, left the once-thriving Aagba village in ruins. Nine houses were reportedly set ablaze, and the entire community was deserted in the wake of the violence. A 70-year-old resident, who suffered severe injuries during the incident, later succumbed.
According to the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Adewale Osifeso, the suspects were tracked down and arrested at various locations. “Many of them fled into a thick forest around Ejigbo, thinking they could evade justice,” Osifeso said. “But our operatives remained relentless in the pursuit.”
Among those arrested are Olayiwola Adisa (50), Shittu Waliu (45), Ibrahim Shareef (27), Gabriel Aderinto, and Ogunleye Taiwo (60), along with ten others aged between 19 and 45.
CP Johnson O. Adenola, who visited the ravaged community on April 6, had earlier pledged that those responsible would face the law. “Justice must be served,” the Commissioner emphasized during his visit. “The Command is resolute in its determination to restore peace and security across all communities in Oyo State.”
Police say investigations are ongoing, with additional suspects still at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend them.
The Command also issued a stern warning to would-be troublemakers. “We urge residents to avoid acts of self-help or mob action. Anyone found disturbing the peace will face the full weight of the law,” Osifeso cautioned.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities through the state’s emergency lines, including the toll-free number 615 and other direct contacts with the Command’s Control Room.
“The safety of our communities remains a top priority,” Osifeso added. “We will continue to act decisively against all forms of violence and threats to public order.”
