Police arrest 13 over APC ward congress attack in Ondo
The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the attack on the All Progressives Congress ward congress that claimed two lives on Wednesday, February 18.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists in Akure by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
Jimoh said the arrests followed a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
According to him, the move forms part of the command’s decisive efforts to ensure that all perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
“The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, injuries to three persons, and the destruction of property.
“This prompted the CP to immediately direct an intensive intelligence-driven manhunt to track down all individuals connected to the violence,” he said.
Jimoh explained that acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Idanre Police Division carried out coordinated operations at strategic locations, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
He listed the suspects as Adewusi, 38; Dele, 28; Akinkurole, 38; Victor, 30; Abbas, 30; Michael, 35; Jolojolo, 36; Ifedayo, 38; Olamilekan, 25; Emmanuel, 25; Sunday, 49; Michael, 55; and Monday, 25.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements, which are aiding ongoing investigations.
“The command is diligently working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any additional collaborators, and determine the specific roles played by each suspect,” he added.
The spokesperson said Lawal reiterated the command’s firm resolve to ensure that all those involved in the attack are brought to justice.
Jimoh also conveyed the CP’s appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support, strategic leadership and operational guidance.
According to him, the IGP’s backing has strengthened the command’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges across the state.
He warned individuals or groups planning acts capable of disturbing public peace that the command would not hesitate to deploy its full operational capacity to deal decisively with such threats.
Residents of Idanre and the entire state were urged to remain calm, law-abiding and to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information to aid ongoing investigations and enhance security efforts.
