The Ondo State Police Command has made significant progress in a case involving the murder of a farmer, Rasheed Hassan, in Ala, Akure North Local Government Area. On October 24, 2026, Hassan was reportedly murdered at General Camp in the Government Reserve area. Police operatives who visited the scene found Hassan's body with deep cuts on his head and other parts of his body, while his belongings were missing.
The police have arrested two suspects in connection with Hassan's murder and rescued them from an angry mob attempting to lynch them. According to the Command's spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Ala Youth President arrested the suspects on October 26 and conveyed them to the police station. However, an angry crowd confronted him, demanding that the suspects be handed over for extrajudicial killing.
The situation escalated when the youth president sought refuge at the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters with the suspects, but the mob pursued them and attacked the facility. The mob threw stones and other dangerous objects at the station. Tactical and rescue teams were deployed to the area, and the suspects were successfully rescued at about 1:45 a.m. on October 27.
In a related development, 14 persons were arrested over an attack on the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters and officers who intervened to rescue the suspects. During the rescue operation, a patrol team conveying the suspects to Akure came under attack, leaving two police officers with gunshot injuries allegedly caused by pellets fired from a pump-action firearm.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has condemned the incident, warning against attempts to take the law into one's hands or obstruct lawful police operations. He assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law and urged community leaders and youth groups to discourage mob action and allow the criminal justice system to take its course.
The police have also taken steps to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice. The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the incident.
The incident highlights the need for community leaders and youth groups to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts and discourage mob action. The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the state and ensuring that justice is served in this case.
Key points
- Two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a farmer in Ondo state, Nigeria.
- An angry mob attacked the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters in an attempt to lynch the suspects.
- 14 persons were arrested over an attack on the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters and officers who intervened to rescue the suspects.
