The Police Command in Ondo State says it has rescued two suspects allegedly linked to a farmer’s murder from being lynched by a mob in Ala community, Akure North Local Government Area.
The command also arrested 14 people suspected of participating in the mob action, while normalcy has been restored in the area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure.
Jimoh said the death of the farmer, identified as Rasheed Hassan, was reported to the police on October 24 from General Camp in the Government Reserve Area.
He said police operatives who visited the scene evacuated the victim’s body, which had deep cuts on the head and other parts, while his belongings were missing.
“In connection with the incident, the Ala Youth President arrested two suspects on Oct. 26 and was taking them to the police station when an irate mob intercepted them and attempted to lynch them.
“At about 0145 hours on Oct. 27, upon receipt of a distress call, our operatives swiftly moved to the scene and successfully rescued the two suspects from the mob.
“However, the patrol team conveying the suspects back to Akure came under attack.
“During the incident, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries from pellets allegedly fired from a youth’s pump-action firearm.
“The injured officers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention,” he said.
Jimoh said the command had commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the farmer’s killing. He added that other tactical and rescue teams had been deployed to restore order and protect lives.
The spokesperson urged members of the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that justice would be served.
