Police arrest 13 over deadly violence at APC ward congress in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command said it has apprehended 13 suspects linked to the attack and violence that occurred during the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress held in
The Ondo State Police Command said it has apprehended 13 suspects linked to the attack and violence that occurred during the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress held in the state.
The party’s ward congress held on Wednesday turned bloody in Idanre Local Government Area of the state as violent clashes and sporadic gunshots filled the air.
The exercise, which produced the ward executives across the 203 wards of the state, was disrupted by political thugs allegedly working for members of the National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.
Two persons were killed and five others injured during the violent attack, according to the police.
Raphael Adetimehin, a younger brother to the party’s chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who was injured and violently attacked during the clash, was among the victims.
Confirming the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Saturday, the police command spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi said they were nabbed following a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation ordered by the state Commissioner of Police (CP) Adebowale Lawal.
Abayomi explained that the arrest was part of the command’s decisive efforts to ensure that all perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
According to him, the arrest is part of the command’s decisive efforts to ensure that all perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
“The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, injuries to three persons, and the destruction of property.
“This prompted the CP to immediately direct an intensive intelligence-driven manhunt to track down all individuals connected to the violence.
“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Idanre Police Division executed coordinated operations at strategic locations, culminating in the arrest of the suspects," he said.
DSP Abayomi listed the suspects, who are all men to include: Adewusi, 38; Dele, 28; Akinkurole, 38; Victor, 30; Abbas, 30; Michael, 35; Jolojolo, 36; Ifedayo, 38; Olamilekan, 25; Emmanuel, 25; Sunday, 49; Michael, 55; and Monday, 25 years.
He explained that the suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements that are aiding ongoing investigations.
The command is diligently working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any additional collaborators, and determine the specific roles played by each suspect," the police spokesman said.
He also said Lawal reiterated the command’s firm resolve to ensure that all those involved in the heinous act were brought to justice.
Abayomi expressed the CP’s profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and continued provision of operational guidance.
According to him, CP Lawal said the IGP’s support has significantly strengthened the command’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges across the state.
"The CP warns individuals or groups contemplating acts capable of disturbing public peace that the command will not hesitate to deploy its full operational capacity to deal decisively with such threats.
"Residents of Idanre and the entire people of Ondo State are once again urged to remain calm and law-abiding.
"They should also continue cooperating with the police by providing useful and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and enhance collective security efforts," he said.
