The Oyo State Police Command says normalcy has returned to the Strabag area of Ojoo, Ibadan, following a violent disturbance linked to mob action that left two people dead.
According to the police, the incident began late Tuesday when four young men arrived at a Point of Sale outlet to purchase mobile data and allegedly attempted to steal the operator’s phone. The victim raised an alarm, leading to the arrest of one of the suspects, identified as Abeeb Olajide, while others escaped.
Police said the suspect was beaten by a mob before he was rescued and taken to a medical facility, where he later died while receiving treatment.
The incident triggered tension in the area, as groups reportedly mobilised for a reprisal attack, causing a breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered the deployment of tactical teams, with support from the Nigerian Army, NSCDC and Amotekun Corps, to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
The command also confirmed the death of another person, Kamorudeen Abdulrasheed, who reportedly died from injuries sustained during the unrest. Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Six makeshift shops containing plastic materials were also burnt during the disturbance, while the Oyo State Fire Service responded to contain the blaze.
Four suspects have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, for further investigation into the attempted robbery, mob action and other related offences.
The police condemned jungle justice, urging residents to hand over suspects to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands. The command assured residents that security measures have been strengthened across the area.
