Twelve vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo, have been killed in an attack by suspected gunmen in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 7:00am on Sunday when the assailants invaded the Ogbayo community, shooting sporadically. Security operatives said four other victims who sustained injuries during the attack were rushed to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated.
Spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the development in a statement, noted that a combined team of police officers and personnel of the National Forest Security Service responded swiftly to the attack.
“The Command, in collaboration with the military and NFSS, has intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Manhunt operations are ongoing and those responsible will be brought to justice,” she stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, while condoling with the bereaved families, described the killings as a tragic loss. “We deeply commiserate with the families of the victims and pray for the repose of their souls. The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State,” he said.
The police assured the public that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
