Kwara police arrest six over deadly Oke-Ode attack

Kwara Police arrest six suspects over the Oke-Ode killings as CP Ojo vows to crush kidnappers and restore lasting peace in the state

Kwara Police have confirmed the arrest of six suspects linked to the recent Oke-Ode massacre, where 15 people, including a village head, were brutally killed.

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Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo made the disclosure while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ilorin on Friday, noting that the suspects were captured following intensified tactical operations and intelligence-led raids.

Ojo described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, assuring that all those involved in the attack would face justice.

He also revealed that Sanni Gbadamosi, who allegedly masterminded the kidnapping of his cousin in Ajase-Ipo and demanded a ransom of ₦120,000, was tracked and arrested in Kano State through the command’s advanced digital intelligence system.

In another disturbing incident, the CP said a motorcycle mechanic, Muhammadu Jalo, from Bode Sadu, was arrested for allegedly beheading his customer during a heated altercation. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime while in custody.

Ojo further disclosed that a 15-year-old boy, identified as Falade Ebenezer, was arrested for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl inside an uncompleted building.

The suspect’s mother reportedly alerted the police after the victim narrated her ordeal.

“The suspect has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” Ojo stated.

He added that calm had gradually returned to Oke-Ode, Babanla, and other affected communities following coordinated security interventions.

“Today is a market day in Oke-Ode, and it was full. A brigade is on ground, and people are returning home. Everyone is now vigilant,” the police boss said.

Speaking on the rising cases of kidnapping, Ojo attributed the menace to the activities of informants and the recruitment of young people by criminal gangs with cash incentives.

“Most of our challenges come from informants. Kidnappers entice young boys with easy money. But we are not relenting. We’ll fight them to a standstill,” he vowed.

He lamented that many families of kidnapped victims often refuse to report cases to the police for fear of retaliation from abductors, stressing that such silence hinders police operations.

“The problem is that victims’ families often avoid contacting us because of threats from kidnappers. They end up paying ransom secretly. We urge everyone to speak out — that’s how we can help,” Ojo appealed.

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The CP assured residents that the command, working closely with other security agencies, was determined to flush out criminal elements and restore lasting peace across Kwara State.

Quadri Olaitan