Osun State Police Commissioner Vows to Prosecute All Involved in Assault on Operatives
The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan, has made it clear that all individuals involved in the recent assault on police operatives during a renewed boundary dispute between Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities will be held accountable under the law. The incident occurred amid tensions over a long-standing land ownership and boundary conflict between the two communities.
According to reports, at least two community chiefs, a head of a hunters’ association, and 15 residents from Ilobu were arrested for their involvement in attacking police officers who were deployed to manage the violence. The police command has been actively working to bring those responsible to justice.
A video shared on Facebook by user Olarewaju Ojo showed a man in a police uniform allegedly being assaulted and forced to kneel, as if in submission. The video, which lasted over three minutes, was captioned as “Mob brutalises police constable in Osun community, forces him to kneel and apologise for alleged tear gas shooting in Ilobu-Erin-Osun crisis.”
During a press conference held at the police command headquarters in Osogbo on Monday, Gotan reiterated the police’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that no one is above legal consequences. He emphasized that any form of lawlessness or coordinated attacks against police personnel would not be tolerated.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Gotan revealed that one additional suspect had been arrested, increasing the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with the incident to 19. He also stated that those who participated in the assault but have not yet been detained would be tracked down and brought before the law.
“The command successfully arrested an additional fifteen (15) suspects on March 29, 2026, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to nineteen (19). Let it be unequivocally clear that any person or group involved in the attack, no matter the status of such people or how highly placed they are, will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He further warned that any individual or group attempting to shield or harbor the suspects would face severe legal repercussions. “I am assuring the good people of Osun State that all those involved in the criminal act will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” he added.
Suspect’s Statement
One of the arrested suspects, Hazmat Ridwan, responded to questions from journalists. He claimed that he had reshared a video showing a police operative being assaulted, which had originally been posted by a Facebook user. This statement highlights the role of social media in amplifying incidents of violence and the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly.
Community Response and Legal Measures
The ongoing conflict between Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities underscores the need for sustained dialogue and mediation efforts. While the police have taken decisive action to arrest those involved in the assault, the broader issue of land disputes and community relations remains a challenge.
Gotan’s remarks reflect the determination of the Osun State Police to maintain order and ensure that justice is served. The police have activated decisive operational measures to track and arrest other suspects involved in the incident, signaling a firm stance against lawlessness.
Conclusion
The situation in Osun State serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding land disputes and the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining peace. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments and the resolution of this ongoing conflict. The police remain committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
