Blessing Bello, Reporting
OSOGBO — The Osun State Police Command has apprehended four suspects linked to a violent assault on police officers in the Ikire area that resulted in the deaths of two passers-by and left three officers wounded.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, revealed the arrests during a press briefing in Osogbo on Thursday, stating that the breakthrough was achieved through “credible intelligence and painstaking technical analysis” of evidence gathered during the investigation.
The harrowing incident unfolded when the Divisional Police Officer for Ikire and his team responded to a distress call in the Naira and Kobo area. Upon arrival, they were met by a gang of approximately 30 armed hoodlums who allegedly launched an attack on the officers.
In the ensuing melee, the assailants reportedly wrestled an AK-47 rifle from one of the policemen. A suspect identified only as “Ayewo” then seized the weapon and opened fire indiscriminately, CP Zungura told reporters.
The gunfire struck three police officers and two civilians, with the two members of the public later succumbing to their injuries. The wounded officers are currently receiving medical treatment.
The four suspects now in custody have been named as Sikiru Ademola Adedeji, 21; Olalere Taiwo, 21; Olalere Ademola, 26; and Bankole Abiodun, 20. A cutlass-like object was recovered from them during the arrest operation on Wednesday, 26th August 2026.
During preliminary questioning, all four confessed to being political thugs affiliated with a faction headed by the fugitive “Ayewo.” It was Ayewo, they admitted, who fired the stolen rifle that struck the victims.
CP Zungura confirmed that “investigation is ongoing for the arrest of Ayewo and others at large,” while assuring residents that the command would pursue all those involved in the attack until they face justice.
The Commissioner appealed to members of the public to come forward with “credible and timely information” that could aid crime prevention and assist in apprehending criminal elements, reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Osun State.
