Police arrest alleged masterminds of Ilaje communal unrest
Two persons were at the weekend arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command over for allegedly masterminding the violent communal clash in Eki/Oboto community, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, Gbadebo Ogunsemore and Michael Ogunsemore, according to the police, allegedly recruited armed thugs to unleash violence in the community after losing a lawsuit to the monarch of Aboto community, Oba Oyetayo Ofoaye.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the unrest led to the displacement of residents, destruction and burning of huts as well as the macheting of one Jeremiah Okuntimehin.
Ayanlade, who disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend others involved in the unrest, maintained that the command will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or communal conflict capable of threatening peace and public safety in the state.
He said: “In a coordinated operation, operatives of the Command arrested Ogunsemore Gbadebo and Michael Ogunsemore, who have since been arraigned in court.
“The arrests mark a significant step in restoring normalcy to the affected community and sending a clear message that communal violence will not be condoned under any guise.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns individuals and groups that any attempt to undermine judicial decisions or take the law into their own hands will attract the full weight of the law, as the police remain resolute in safeguarding lives, property, and public order across the state.”
Police arrest alleged masterminds of Ilaje communal unrest
