Oyo State Police command said it has arrested no fewer than nine suspects in connection with the killing of a septuagenarian and destruction of properties worth millions of naira in a community in the state.

The command made this disclosure via a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso.

The statement was made available to Ekwutosblog Thursday morning.

Osifeso, in the statement, said that the nine suspects were arrested by operatives of the command in connection with the attack of Aagba community in Surulere local government area of the state.

He added that the incident, which led to the killing of a septuagenarian, Madam Rachael Bamidele, has forced villagers to desert the village.

He said that the attack was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighboring community over a long-standing dispute.

Osifeso maintained that the incident resulted into the burning, looting, and destruction of properties appeared to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.

He said that the incident occurred on April 5 this year.

Osifeso added that investigations by the command had led to the arrest of Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of neighbouring Oko community and eight other suspects.

He said, “The Oyo State Police Command has responded to the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba Community, Surulere Local Government Area.

“The attack resulted in nine houses being razed and properties worth millions of Naira being looted or destroyed.

“The burning, looting, and destruction of properties appear to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.

“Also a septuagenarian, one Madam Rachael Bamidele, tragically died in the aftermath of the attack.

“The incident, which forced villagers to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighboring community over a long-standing dispute over land.

“Following the recent developments, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Johnson O. Adenola, swiftly deployed the Command’s specialized intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety.

“This prompt response brought about a restoration of normalcy, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“Investigations led to the apprehension of one Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects, as well as the recovery of three unregistered Boxer motorcycles. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other known suspects who remain at large. The indicted suspects will soon appear in court.

“The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its zero-tolerance towards all acts or brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threaten the peace and tranquility of residents of the state.

“Furthermore, the Command also frowns at any act of self-help by individuals or groups in ventilating their grievances assuring law abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, by employing robust measures to address violations of law and order”.