Operatives of the Ifo police division have arrested six community leaders and hunters for allegedly attacking and killing herds of cattle belonging to a herder identified as Usman Abubakar.
The suspects are Taiwo Obasa, Gbolahan Abdullahi, Ojo Musiliu, Okwu Odey, Zomisin Lulu, and Abiodun Shoyoye.
The suspects allegedly attacked the cattle, resulting in four cows being killed, butchered, and distributed among themselves, while two cows were injured and four others went missing.
The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirming the incident on Saturday, said the command was alerted by Usman Abubakar, owner of the herds, and that investigations are ongoing.
She said, “The Ogun State Police Command is actively investigating an incident reported on February 28, 2025, involving local community leaders and cattle herders in the Ifo area.
“On February 25, 2025, at approximately 0100 hours, Mr. Usman Abubakar of Olorunsogo Village reported that his herders were moving cattle through Oba Karounwi Village near Ifo when they were confronted by local leaders (Baales) from Oba’s Gidimo and Oba Oseni, accompanied by hunters.
“Despite the herders’ appeals, the group allegedly attacked the cattle, resulting in four cows being killed, butchered, and distributed among the assailants; two cows were injured, and four went missing.”
Odutola noted that upon receiving the report, officers from the Ifo division promptly visited the scene and arrested the suspects.
She disclosed that during interrogation, Obasa and Abdullahi admitted witnessing the attack and receiving meat from a hunter named Terry, which has been recovered.
Odutola stated that the implicated Baales had earlier reported a case of assault by the herders at the Agbado division, adding that, sensing duplicity in the case, the matter will be investigated by the Ifo divisional police officer.
To prevent ethnic tensions, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed measures to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Ogunlowo also urged all parties involved and the general public to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, adding that the police command is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
