The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday said it had arrested four suspects in connection with the civil unrest that occurred in the popular Ojoo community in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The command strongly condemned the act of jungle justice and warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to report crimes and assist law enforcement, it emphasised that suspects should always be handed over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
The statement read, “Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, where a comprehensive investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery, the mob action, the ensuing public disturbance and all related acts of criminality.
“The command strongly condemns the act of jungle justice and warns members of the public against taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances. While acknowledging the right of citizens to report crimes and assist law enforcement, it emphasises that suspects should always be handed over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.”
The command, therefore, urged residents to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders were encouraged not to allow criminal elements to exploit the unfortunate incident to foment ethnic or communal unrest.
It also assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place across the affected area and other strategic locations within the metropolis to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
“The Oyo State Police Command appreciates the cooperation, understanding and support of law-abiding residents throughout the operation and reassures the good people of Oyo State of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“All persons found culpable in connection with the incident will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.