The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 14 persons suspected of participating in a mob attack on two murder suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a farmer, Rasheed Hassan, in Ala community, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Akure on Wednesday. He said the police rescued the two suspects from the mob, while investigations had commenced to apprehend those responsible for the farmer’s murder and restore lasting peace in the community.
According to Jimoh, the incident followed the discovery of Hassan’s body after a report of his death was received from General Camp in the Government Reserve Area on October 24.
He said police operatives who visited the scene recovered the body, which bore deep cuts on the head and other parts of the body. The deceased’s belongings were also reportedly missing.
The police spokesperson explained that two suspects were arrested by the Ala Youth President on October 26 in connection with the incident.
He said the youth leader was taking the suspects to the police station when an angry mob intercepted them and attempted to lynch them.
According to him, police operatives responded to a distress call at about 1:45 a.m. on October 27 and rescued the suspects from the mob.
However, the police patrol team conveying the suspects to Akure was subsequently attacked by members of the mob.
Jimoh said two police officers sustained gunshot injuries from pellets allegedly fired by a youth wielding a pump-action firearm.
The injured officers were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
He added that tactical and rescue teams had been deployed to the area to maintain law and order, protect residents and prevent further violence.
The command also commenced investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for Hassan’s murder, as well as individuals involved in the mob attack and the assault on the police officers.
Jimoh urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing the need to hand over criminal suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to ensuring public safety and that efforts were ongoing to bring those responsible for the various offences to justice.
