The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspected political thugs in connection with the attack on police officers in Ikire, Osun State, during which two passers-by were killed.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Umar Zungura, said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following intelligence gathering and technical analysis of information linked to the incident.
The incident occurred on Monday, August 24, when the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire and his men responded to a distress call around the Naira and Kobo area of the town.
According to the police, about 30 armed hoodlums descended on the officers and forcefully snatched an AK-47 rifle from one of the policemen.
The police said one of the hoodlums identified as Ayewo allegedly took the rifle and began shooting sporadically, hitting three police officers and two passers-by.
The two passers-by later died from injuries sustained during the shooting, while the injured policemen were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The four suspects arrested were identified as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20.
The police said a cutlass-like object was recovered from the suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being political thugs and identified Ayewo, whose other name is unknown, as the leader of their faction.
The suspects also allegedly told investigators that Ayewo was responsible for firing the snatched AK-47 rifle during the incident.
The police said investigation was ongoing to arrest Ayewo and other suspects still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, commended the operatives involved in the investigation for their professionalism, dedication and use of intelligence and technical capabilities in tracking down the suspects.
Zungura assured members of the public that everyone found to have participated in or contributed to the incident would face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing the police with credible and timely information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal suspects.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across Osun State.