•Police arrest suspects, assure of fishing out perpetrators

The killing of about four people, including a commercial motorcyclist and a plumber by hoodlums in Orile Egun, Kara Nla and Kara Kekere communities through Pakuro, Mowe, in Obafemi Owode Local Council of Ogun State, has sent shivers down the spine of residents in the area.

The hoodlums, numbering about 40 and allegedly commissioned by a known land grabber, invaded the community on Friday and unleashed mayhem on the residents, leaving four people dead and others seriously injured.

A community leader told The Guardian that the hoodlums had also sometime in 2022, invaded the community, causing residents of Kara Nla and Kara Ewumi communities, to petition the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2, Onikan, the State Police Commissioner, over frivolous attacks by land grabbers.

The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Nigeria Police, who assumed office at the Zonal Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, Abiodun Alabi, is the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

The community, through their lawyer, Augustine Ejeh, noted that the known land grabber and his boys, go about these communities harassing and intimidating residents with assorted weapons, such as pump action, axe, local charms, poisonous knives and other dangerous weapons, claiming the lands belong to them.

According to the petition dated December 6, 2022, the communities disclosed that the hoodlums also compelled residents to purchase illegal receipts of their landed property where they reside or build their houses, adding that a compulsory levy of N150,000 for security coverage was imposed on them by the land grabbers.

A resident, who identified himself as Adeola, said the Friday’s attack was unexpected as the community has been enjoying a fragile peace after the AIG of Police Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos sent his men to the area following the petition.

He called for proper investigation into the matter as palpable fear has enveloped the entire community following the attack.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Police Command has promised to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Spokesperson for the Command, Superintendent of Police (SP), Omolola Odutola, quoted the state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Olanrewaju Yomi Oladimeji, as saying that no criminal would be allowed to hibernate in Ogun State.

She said: “On June 9, 2023 at about 1450hrs, a case of murder, armed robbery and land grabbing through a distress call was reported to Mowe Division by an anonymous caller that about 40 unscrupulous, unfitted and unidentifiable elements intentionally and deliberately caused mayhem in Orile Egun, Kara Nla village via Mowe, Ogun State.

“They were studded with arms and opened fire sporadically on innocent unarmed villagers, who scampered and dodged for safety.

“Tactical Team along with other intelligence officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Afeniforo Folake, arrived the scene and unfortunately discovered that bullets had hit two persons, who have been identified by the police, and their corpses were evacuated to Idera Hospital for autopsy.

“The fleeing suspects snatched four Bajaj Motorcycles at gunpoint, injuring the owners as they escaped. The motorcycle owners are recuperating in the hospital.

“The tactical unit gave the criminals unrelentless chase, which made the criminals abandon their Toyota Corolla, Gold colour Saloon car registered with JJJ 979 HL LAGOS, and presently at the Mowe Police Station.

“Monsuru Ishola has been arrested for questioning, for allegedly playing a role.

“Three suspects in connection with this case have been arrested at a hideout in Kara Kekere village via Mowe. Their names and identity will be published in the cause of further updates.

“The Commissioner of Police (CP), Olanrewaju Yomi Oladimeji, sends his condolences to the families of the deceased and is saddened by this occurrence.

“The CP has said he remains resolute that the perpetrators will lose sleep and he will hunt them down, while policemen have been prompted to act assiduously to crack the criminals. He admonishes Ogun State people to go about their lawful daily duties and affairs without fear.” (The Guardian)

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