The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Bassey Samuel Ewah, has ordered a thorough investigation into an alleged assault, attempted murder, and disruption of farming activities in Iwo, Osun State. This incident involved three elderly women and a palm fruit tapper. The AIG directed the investigation team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) X-Squad, to submit a detailed report by next Friday. This move follows a meeting between the complainants, their legal representative, the police, and counsel to the accused persons at the Zone 11 headquarters.
The meeting was attended by the complainants and their legal representative, Jide Obisakin, Director of Litigation and Advisory Services, Osun State. Obisakin stated that the dispute concerned a farmland in Oke Oba, Iwo, allegedly invaded by men from Iyana Offa, Oyo State. He acknowledged a longstanding boundary dispute between Osun and Oyo states but maintained that the farmland in question was not within the disputed buffer zone. Obisakin stressed the need to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the land's status.
The alleged attack occurred on August 26, 2026, when Mrs. Anifat Lateef, the farm owner; Mrs. Racheal Akanfe; Mrs. Ester Adegboyega; and Sulaimon Bolaji, a palm fruit tapper, were working on the farm. The complainants alleged that three men - Fatai Balogun, Moruf Balogun, and Abdullahi - invaded the farmland, with Abdullahi 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 did not receive a timely response from the police.
The two suspects, Fatai Balogun and Moruf Balogun, were arrested and taken to the Amotekun headquarters in Osogbo on August 27 for investigation. However, the complainants alleged that the suspects were released after the X-Squad of Zone 11 took over the case, without a proper investigation or consultation with the victims. The complainants expressed concern that the release of the suspects heightened fears among residents of Oke-Oba and surrounding communities.
The AIG's intervention was facilitated by the Zonal Public Relations Officer and other individuals, leading to the complainants' appearance before him. The complainants commended Ewah for his intervention, saying it 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 investigation team has yet to visit the scene of the alleged incident, as the suspects were taken from the Amotekun Corps in the state. The AIG's directive for a thorough inquiry aims to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations and the status of the land.
The complainants and the police are awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which is expected to shed more light on the incident and provide closure for the victims. The AIG's intervention has brought renewed hope for justice and accountability in the case. The investigation's findings are expected to be submitted by next Friday.
Key points
- AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah orders fresh investigation into alleged assault and attempted murder in Osun State's Oke-Oba area.
- The incident involved three elderly women and a palm fruit tapper, with allegations of invasion by men from Iyana Offa, Oyo State.
- The investigation aims to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the status of the land.
