By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has rescued two suspects, allegedly linked to a farmer’s murder, from being lynched by a mob in Ala community, Akure North Local Government Area.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Spokesperson, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

Jimoh, who explained that the command also arrested 14 persons suspected to have participated in the mob action, said normalcy had been restored in the area.

He also said the death of the farmer, one Rasheed Hassan, was reported to the police on Oct. 24 from General Camp in the Government Reserve Area.

According to him, police operatives who visited the scene evacuated the victim’s body, which had deep cuts on the head and other parts, while his belongings were missing.

“In connection with the incident, the Ala Youth President arrested two suspects on Oct. 26 and was taking them to the police station when an irate mob intercepted them and attempted to lynch them.

“At about 0145 hours on Oct. 27, upon receipt of a distress call, our operatives swiftly moved to the scene and successfully rescued the two suspects from the mob.

“However, the patrol team conveying the suspects back to Akure came under attack.

“During the incident, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries from pellets allegedly fired from a youth’s pump-action firearm.

“The injured officers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, said the command had commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing, while the other tactical and rescue teams were deployed to restore order and protect lives.

The spokesperson urged the public to always hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution, assuring that discreet investigation was ongoing and justice would be served. (NAN)