Ten suspects have been apprehended by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly attempting to assassinate the traditional ruler of Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Adinlewa John.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when the assailants, armed with guns, machetes, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, invaded the community, attacking residents before heading to the monarch’s palace.
According to reports, the attackers first assaulted a female resident, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo, inflicting severe injuries on her and carting away her belongings. They then proceeded to the palace, where they allegedly tried to kill the royal father. Fortunately, Oba Adinlewa narrowly escaped the attack, though the incident caused widespread panic across the community.
Confirming the attack, the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said that a tactical team was immediately deployed to the scene, resulting in the arrest of ten suspects.
Items recovered from the suspects included two locally fabricated pistols, a single-barrel gun, live ammunition, charms, and other assorted weapons. Lawal added that the suspects had confessed to their involvement in the plot and would be charged to court after investigations are completed. He also assured that efforts were underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The police commissioner emphasized that security had been reinforced in Igoba to prevent further unrest, stressing that Ondo State would not be allowed to become a breeding ground for criminals.
Residents who sustained injuries during the attack are reportedly receiving treatment in various hospitals within the community. Normalcy has since been restored, with increased security presence to maintain law and order.
Prince Recounts Ordeal in Idogun Attack
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Onidogun of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area, Oba Moses Bakare, his wife, and their son, Prince Victor Bakare, were assaulted by irate youths ahead of the community’s new yam festival.
According to Prince Victor, the attackers stripped his mother half-naked and humiliated the family by pouring urine on them. He also sustained visible injuries during the assault, while his father, the monarch, was physically attacked.
Oba Bakare condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and unfortunate.” He said the attack was part of an ongoing “unprovoked hostility” from a faction of youths in the community. He, however, commended the swift intervention of the police and the Amotekun Corps, whose timely response prevented the situation from escalating.
It was gathered that the monarch had rushed to Ishara to rescue his wife and son from being lynched by the mob when he was assaulted and forced back to his palace.
A local source linked the crisis to a lingering dispute between the monarch and some influential groups in the community. The source claimed that a court ruling had previously barred both parties from entering Ishara, and the Oba’s presence there allegedly violated the court order.
However, Oba Bakare refuted the allegation, stating that he had adhered to the court’s directive and only went to Ishara to save his family.
“I only went there to rescue my son and wife from being killed,” the monarch explained.
The Amotekun Coordinator in the area, Mr. Omatayo Johnson, confirmed that the swift response of security personnel helped prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Similarly, the state police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said that investigations were ongoing and assured that justice would be served.
