From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Residents of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. were thrown into mourning on Sunday after a deadly attack claimed 12 lives, including that of the Baale of Ogbayo community.
In a statement, the Kwara State Police Command, disclosed that the incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. when armed men stormed the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting indiscriminately. Operatives of the police and the National Forest Security Service (NFSS), later responded to the distress call and found the lifeless bodies of the Baale alongside several vigilante members.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who signed the statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, confirmed that four others sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
“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 statement read.
CP Ojo, while consoling families of the victims, prayed for the repose of their souls and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“The safety of the people of Kwara State remains our top priority, and we will not relent until peace is fully restored in Oke-Ode and across the state,” he added.