Ajimobi visits rumoured ‘ritualists’ den’ appeals for peace

THE Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appealed to the people of the state to avoid violence in all ramifications as no development can take place in an atmosphere of violence.

He made this known yesterday when he, in company with the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina, visited an alleged ritualists’ den in the Ayekile area of the state capital, Ibadan. The governor pledged his support for the Police Force to ensure that the perpetrators of the devilish act were brought to book.

The entire Adekile, Orita Aperin extending towards Elekuro in Ibadan North East axis of the state had been deserted following a mayhem initiated by some hoodlums, which also led to the death of a senior police officer attached to one of the police formations in the area.

Rumours circulated within the state on Wednesday over the discovery of a ritualists’ den within Ibadan metropolis, which made the police authorities to immediately swing into action to unravel the mystery, but the police was said to have discovered it was false information.

When Ajimobi and the police commissioner got to the scene of crime, about three buildings had been vandalised and set on fire. According to Katsina, the slain police officer had gone to Adekile in response to a distress call by one of the residents, who alleged that her baby was kidnapped and kept inside a particular building at Adekile.

He said the DPO had visited the area and inspected the building in question but could not find anything related to the lodged complaint. However, while explaining to the youths in the area to remain calm, as further investigations would be carried out, the DPO was attacked and shot in the head.

Katsina explained that the DPO, being a gallant officer, before he fell to the miscreants’ bullets, also managed to fire at his attacker who also died on the way to the hospital. He, thereafter, reiterated the commitment of the Police Force to ensure that all culprits in the DPO attack were arrested to face the full wrath of the law.

The entire Adekile, Orita Aperin and Elekuro areas are still under a close watch of armed policemen while about 21 suspects were said to had been arrested.