The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the violent attack that claimed two lives and left several others injured in Idanre during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The arrests followed days of tension and public outcry after hoodlums invaded the congress venue on Wednesday in what witnesses described as a politically motivated clash linked to rivalry among party factions.
The violence in Idanre occurred barely 24 hours after hoodlums disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting at the APC secretariat in Akure, where the party’s caretaker chairman, Ade Adetimehin, was allegedly assaulted, raising fears of a wider political crisis in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests were made after a coordinated intelligence-led operation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
“The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the violent attack that rocked Idanre with the arrest of 13 suspects linked to the incident,” the statement read.
The police recalled that the violence resulted in the deaths of two persons, injuries to three others and destruction of property, prompting an intensive manhunt for those responsible.
“The Commissioner of Police immediately directed an intelligence-driven operation to track down all individuals connected to the violence. Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Idanre Division executed coordinated operations at strategic locations, leading to the arrest of the suspects,” Jimoh stated.
According to the command, the suspects are currently in custody and have begun making statements to investigators.
“The suspects have made useful statements that are aiding ongoing investigations. The Command is working diligently to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any additional collaborators and determine the specific roles played by each suspect,” the police added.
Reiterating its resolve, the command warned that it would not tolerate further acts capable of destabilising public order.
“The Command will ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are brought to justice. Individuals or groups contemplating acts capable of disturbing public peace should know that we will deploy our full operational capacity to deal decisively with such threats,” the statement said.
The police also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Fidelis David in Akure
Follow us on:
