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Details have emerged of how the traditional ruler of Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adinlewa John, narrowly escaped assassination after armed men stormed his palace on Thursday.
Police said on Saturday that a group of hoodlums, “armed with firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, invaded Igoba Community with the intent to wreak havoc.”
Items recovered from the hoodlums
The police however did not State the reasons for the attack.
A statement signed by the Police Spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said In the course of their violent activities, a woman, Ogunoye Oluomo, was viciously attacked, injured, and dispossessed of her belongings.
”The assailants further advanced to the palace of His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa John of Igoba, where they attempted to assassinate the monarch,” the statement said.
”Fortunately, the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault.”
The police further said the Ondo State Police Command arrest of ten (10) suspects in connection with a violent attack on Igoba Community
”Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, promptly directed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area,” the statement read.
”Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of ten (10) suspects.
”The suspects have confessed to their various roles in the unrest and will all be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.”
Items recovered from the suspects include: Two (2) locally fabricated pistols, One (1) single-barrel gun, Several rounds of live ammunition, Assorted charms, Knives and machetes, and Other dangerous weapons used during the attack.
According to the statement, the injured victim was taken to a hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment and responding positively.
Police added that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects.
”Normalcy has since been restored to Igoba Community, with security presence reinforced to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” said Mr Ayanlade.
Just as dust settled over Igoba community, the Yam festival in Idogun community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State turned violent as youths marched to the palace and assaulted the monarch, Onidogun of Idogun, Moses Bakare and his family.
The incident occured on Friday at Ishara Quarters of the community.
Eyewitnesses say the Monarch’s wife, and their son, Victor Bakare, were attacked ay the venue of the festival, by a faction of youths said to have been at loggerheads with the palace.
Mr Victor, who addressed journalists at the palace after the incident, displayed injuries he sustained during the attack, alleging that the mob humiliated his family by stripping his mother half-naked, dousing him with urine and other dirty substances, and manhandling the monarch.
“This is not just an attack on my family but on the entire Idogun throne,” he said, fighting back tears.
The monarch, on his part described the attack as a continuation of what he termed “unprovoked hostility” from a section of the youths in the community.
He condemned the assault, calling it “barbaric, unfortunate, and a desecration of our tradition.”
The violence was later curtailed by the intervention of security operatives, particularly Amotekun Corps and police officers who were deployed to the scene to dispersed the rioters.
Confirming the incident, the Amotekun Coordinator in Idogun, Omatayo Johnson said the security team moved promptly to restore order.
“Our quick intervention prevented the situation from degenerating into something far more dangerous. Normalcy has since returned,” he said.
The monarch called on government authorities and law enforcement agencies to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice to forestall a repeat of such violence.
Mr Ayanlade said the police had been informed of the incident and was carrying investigations, promising that the perpetrators would face the law.
”The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, further reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property,” he said.
”The Command hereby sounds a clear and stern warning to all criminally minded individuals and groups: Ondo State will never be a breeding ground for lawlessness.
”Anyone who dares to test the resolve of the Nigeria Police will be brought under control with the full force of the law, arrested, and made to face the full wrath of justice without exception.
”Criminals are therefore advised to repent, relocate, or be ready to meet the uncompromising determination of law enforcement agencies at the same time, the Command assures all law-abiding citizens that they have nothing to fear.”