The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two persons over their involvement, as well as being the alleged masterminds behind the violent communal clash in the Eki/Oboto community, Ilaje Local Council Area of the state.

The suspects, Gbadebo Ogunsemore and Michael Ogunsemore, allegedly recruited armed thugs to unleash violence in the community after losing a lawsuit to the monarch of Aboto community, Oba Oyetayo Ofoaye, according to the police.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the unrest led to the displacement of residents and the destruction and burning of huts, as well as the macheting of one Jeremiah Okuntimehin.

Ayanlade, who disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend others involved in the unrest, maintained that the command will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or communal conflict capable of threatening peace and public safety in the state.

He said: “In a coordinated operation, operatives of the Command arrested Gbadebo Ogunsemore and Michael Ogunsemore, who have since been arraigned in court. The arrests mark a significant step in restoring normalcy to the affected community and sending a clear message that communal violence will not be condoned under any guise.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns individuals and groups that any attempt to undermine judicial decisions or take the law into their own hands will attract the full weight of the law, as the police remain resolute in safeguarding lives, property, and public order across the state.
“While assuring residents of Aboto and Eki/Oboto communities of adequate police presence, the Commissioner of Police urges them to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies.
“He emphasises that peace and dialogue remain the most sustainable ways of resolving disputes and warns against any further act of reprisal or provocation that could threaten communal harmony.”