Police in Osun State have confirmed the arrest of four individuals following a violent encounter where suspected thugs targeted officers in Ilobu, a town in the Irepodun Local Government Area.
This update was provided in a statement released on Thursday in Osogbo by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
Ojelabi noted that the police are deeply troubled by a trending social media video that captures the moment hoodlums in the area turned on the officers.
“The command strongly condemns the act, as it is unlawful and a direct attack on constituted authority,” he said.
He explained that the confrontation began after a police team was sent to the area following reports that agitators were stirring up trouble over a long-standing land boundary dispute between the Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities.
Ojelabi mentioned that while the officers successfully moved the crowd along upon arrival, the situation took a turn for the worse.
According to him, a group of local youths in Ilobu turned aggressive and physically assaulted the officers who were simply carrying out their official duties.
He detailed a particularly grim moment where one officer was reportedly hauled to the local traditional ruler’s palace in Ilobu and subjected to “inhumane treatment.”
Ojelabi stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has since sent in a reinforcement team to stabilize the town, noting that four suspects are already in custody.
He added that investigators have identified more individuals involved and expect to make further arrests soon.
The command concluded by cautioning the people of both Erin-Osun and Ilobu to stop all forms of hostility and refrain from targeting security agents.