The police command in Ondo State says it arrested 13 suspects linked to the All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress attack which claimed two lives on Wednesday, February 18.

The attack took place at Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement to journalists on Saturday in Akure by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.

Mr Jimoh said the arrests followed a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

According to him, the arrest is part of the command’s decisive efforts to ensure that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.

He said, “The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, injuries to three persons, and the destruction of property. This prompted the CP to immediately direct an intensive intelligence-driven manhunt to track down all individuals connected to the violence.

“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Idanre Police Division executed coordinated operations at strategic locations, culminating in the arrest of the suspects.

“The suspects, all men are Adewusi, 38; Dele, 28; Akinkurole, 38; Victor, 30; Abbas, 30; Michael, 35 and Jolojolo, 36; Ifedayo, 38; Olamilekan, 25; Emmanuel, 25; Sunday, 49; Michael, 55 and Monday, 25 years.

“The suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements which is aiding ongoing investigations.

“The command is diligently working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify any additional collaborators, and determine the specific roles played by each suspect.”

The spokesperson also said the CP reiterated the command’s firm resolve to ensure that those involved in the act were brought to justice.

Mr Jimoh expressed the CP’s profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and continued provision of operational guidance.

According to him, Mr Lawal says the IG’s support has significantly strengthened the command’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges across the state.

“The CP warns individuals or groups contemplating acts capable of disturbing public peace that the command will not hesitate to deploy its full operational capacity to deal decisively with such threats.

“Residents of Idanre and the entire people of Ondo State are once again urged to remain calm, law-abiding. They should also continue cooperating with the police by providing useful and timely information that can aid ongoing investigations and enhance collective security efforts,” he said.

(NAN)