• … Residents raise security concerns over vacant Aresa-Adu throne

Oyo State has again been thrown into security concerns following the arrest of two suspected cattle rustlers by the Oyo State Police Command, despite the recent killing of forest guards in Oloka town.

The suspects, identified as Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, were apprehended after a report was received at the Iresa-Adu Police Division, prompting swift police action. The operation led to the recovery of 26 stolen cows valued at about N6.25 million.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayin, the Command confirmed the arrests, noting that the success of the operation was driven by effective collaboration between the police and local community security structures.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, have been apprehended following a swift response to a report received at Iresa-Adu Division. During the operation, twenty-six stolen cows, estimated at N6,250,000, were successfully recovered, reflecting the tangible results of coordinated police and community efforts in protecting property and livelihoods,” the statement read.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to conceal the stolen cattle at Odojaye via Aganyan, Iresa-Adu.

The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation and provided details of their criminal network.“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the theft and provided details of their criminal network,” the Command stated, adding that investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen livestock.

“The operation underscores the effectiveness of proactive policing, intelligence-led investigations and collaboration with community security agencies in tackling criminal activities,” the police added.However, findings from residents of Iresa-Adu, a border town in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, point to broader security challenges in the area.

The town, which shares boundaries with Kwara and Osun states, has reportedly been without its first-class monarch, the Aresa of Iresa-Adu, for nearly nine years.

Community members expressed concern that the prolonged vacancy of the revered traditional stool has weakened local coordination among towns and villages under Iresa-Adu, thereby affecting community-based security efforts.

The situation is said to be more worrying given recent reports of banditry and kidnapping in neighbouring Kwara State.Residents believe that the installation of the Aresa of Iresa-Adu would enhance unity among border communities and strengthen collaboration with the Oyo State Government and security agencies to curb the influx of criminal elements.

As security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling continue to pose threats nationwide, the Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring the public that all perpetrators involved in the cattle rustling syndicate would be brought to justice.

“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the remaining stolen livestock, demonstrating the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.”