The Kwara State Police Command on Sunday, September 28, described as unfortunate the incident that occurred in the early hours of the day in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, where 12 vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo, were killed by armed bandits.
The Command has thereby declared a manhunt for the perpetrators, vowing to bring them to justice.
The Command’s spokeswoman, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement: “At about 7:00am today, armed men invaded the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting sporadically.
“A combined team of police operatives and members of the National Forest Security Service responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered 12 lifeless bodies of vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo.
“The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Additionally, four persons who sustained injuries were immediately taken to Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were evacuated.
“The Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and NFSS, has intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
“Manhunt operations are ongoing and the Command assures residents that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who commiserated with the families of the victims, prayed for the repose of their souls.
He assured the people of Kwara State of the unwavering commitment of the Police Command to their safety and security.