By Seye Olumide
A communal clash in Aagba Community in Surulere Local Government, Oyo State, has claimed the life of a septuagenarian, Rachael Bamidele, razed about nine houses and destroyed several properties.

The Oyo State Police Command, which confirmed the incident yesterday, revealed that the violent clash over land dispute lasted several hours, leading to the displacement of many residents.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command, Johnson Adenola, said nine suspects had been arrested.
Adenola said the burning, looting, and destruction of properties seemed to have been “calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.”

He added that the incident, which forced villagers to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighbouring community over a long-standing land dispute.

He said his prompt response restored calm in the area, allowing villagers to return home and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Investigations, he stated, led to the apprehension of one Salawudeen Ismaila, 33, a native of the neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects. He said that three unregistered Boxer motorcycles were also recovered, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other known suspects.

“The indicted suspects will soon appear in court. The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its zero-tolerance towards all acts of brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies or threatens the peace and tranquillity of residents of the state,” he said.

The police commissioner also frowned at all acts 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. .