The Oyo State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with arson in the Aagba community in the Surulere Local Government area of the state.
Nine houses were burnt in the April 5 incident which also claimed the life of a septuagenarian, Rachael Bamidele.
The incident forced occupants to desert the community.
A statement by the state police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, on Thursday, held that preliminary investigation indicated that the arson stemmed from an age-long land dispute between Aagba and a neighbouring community.
“The burning, looting and destruction of property appear to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land,” the statement read.
The police, however, affirmed the arrest of one Salawudeen Ismaila of the neighbouring Oko community and eight other suspects.
“Investigations led to the apprehension of one Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of the neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects, as well as the recovery of three unregistered Boxer motorcycle.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other known suspects who remain at large. The indicted suspects will soon appear in court,” the statement read.
The police statement assured that normalcy had returned, with villagers returning to their homes.
This is as it warned residents of the state against resorting to self-help and acts of brigandage.
“Following the developments, the state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, swiftly deployed the command’s specialised intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety.
“This prompt response brought about a restoration of normalcy, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“The state command reaffirms its zero-tolerance towards all acts or brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threatens the peace and tranquillity of residents of the state.
“Furthermore, the command also frowns at any act of self-help by individuals or groups in ventilating their grievances assuring law-abiding residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, by employing robust measures to address violations of law and order,” the statement read.
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