The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Bassey Samuel Ewah, has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged assault, attempted murder, and disruption of farming activities involving three elderly women and a palm fruit tapper in Iwo, Osun State. The incident occurred on August 26, 2026, and the AIG has directed the investigation team to submit a detailed report by next Friday. The case involves an alleged attack on Mrs. Anifat Lateef, Mrs. Racheal Akanfe, Mrs. Ester Adegboyega, and Sulaimon Bolaji, who were working on a farm in Oke Oba, Iwo.
The dispute concerns a farmland allegedly invaded by men from Iyana Offa, Oyo State, with a longstanding boundary dispute between Osun and Oyo states in the area. According to Jide Obisakin, Director of Litigation and Advisory Services, Osun State, the complainants claim that the farmland where the incident occurred is not within the disputed buffer zone. Obisakin stressed the need for authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the status of the land.
The alleged attack involved three men, identified as Fatai Balogun, Moruf Balogun, and Abdullahi, with the latter reportedly still at large. The victims were rescued by operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, after their distress call allegedly failed to receive a timely response from the Divisional Police Officer of Adeeke Police Station, Iwo. Two suspects were arrested and taken to the Amotekun headquarters in Osogbo on August 27 for investigation.
The complainants alleged that the suspects were subsequently released after the X-Squad of Zone 11 took over the case, without a proper investigation or consultation with the victims. They expressed concern that the alleged release of the suspects had heightened fears among residents of Oke-Oba and surrounding communities. The intervention of the Zonal Public Relations Officer and other individuals eventually facilitated their appearance before the AIG.
The AIG's directive for a fresh investigation followed a meeting between the complainants, their legal representative, the police, and counsel to the accused persons at the Zone 11 headquarters. The suspects were not present at the meeting, while the police investigation team disclosed that it was yet to visit the scene of the alleged incident since the suspects were taken from the Amotekun Corps in the state.
The complainants commended Ewah for his intervention, describing his handling of the matter as a development that had renewed their confidence in the police. They expressed hope that the fresh investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all parties are treated in accordance with the law.
The case has garnered attention due to concerns about the security of farming communities and the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations. The AIG's directive is expected to bring clarity to the incident and potentially lead to the prosecution of those responsible. The investigation team, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), X-Squad, is expected to submit its report by next Friday.
Key points
- AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah orders thorough investigation into alleged assault and attempted murder in Iwo, Osun State.
- The incident occurred on August 26, 2026, involving three elderly women and a palm fruit tapper.
- The investigation team is expected to submit a detailed report by next Friday.
