The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Johnson Adenola, has assured residents of Ilero Town in Kajola Local Government Area that efforts are underway to secure the release of two women abducted from an agro-products shop last Wednesday.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with youths and traditional leaders from Kajola and Iwajowa LGAs on Monday, Adenola revealed that multiple arrests have been made in connection with recent criminal incidents in the area, including a fatal attack on a farmer.
“We have arrested 11 suspects so far—seven in connection with kidnapping and four over alleged involvement in murder,” he disclosed.
“Our men from the Anti-Kidnapping and Monitoring Units have been deployed to strengthen security in the area. We are making significant progress in tracing the kidnappers and are hopeful that the victims will soon regain their freedom.”
He urged community members, especially the youth, to shelve any planned protests, warning that criminal elements might exploit such gatherings.
“Protests won’t bring solutions. What we need now is collaboration. The police alone can’t do it. We need accurate information from the people to quicken our efforts,” he added.
The meeting, aimed at fostering peace and cooperation among various stakeholders, also drew the participation of the traditional ruler of Ilero, Oba Wasiu Oyedele. The monarch condemned the rising trend of attacks on farmers and destruction of crops, allegedly by suspected herders.
“We’ve lived in peace for months until these recent attacks. The people of Ilero are welcoming to all tribes, but we expect those in our midst to embrace peaceful coexistence,” the monarch stated.
Also present was the Seriki Fulani in the area, Mr. Muhamud Yusuf, who distanced resident herders from the violence. He blamed the rising insecurity on criminal outsiders.
“Most of the attacks are the handiwork of strange herders and criminals who do not live among us. We are ready to work with the police and local security outfits to identify and flush out the bad eggs,” Yusuf said.
The meeting featured deliberations with representatives from Miyetti Allah, farmers’ associations, youth leaders, and local security groups, including Amotekun, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and traditional hunters.
The police command emphasized that synergy among these stakeholders is critical to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the region.
