The Ifo police division has detained six community leaders and hunters for allegedly targeting and killing cattle belonging to herder Usman Abubakar.
The suspects include Taiwo Obasa, Gbolahan Abdullahi, Ojo Musiliu, Okwu Odey, Zomisin Lulu, and Abiodun Shoyoye.
The group is accused of attacking the cattle, causing the death of four cows, which were slaughtered and shared among them. Two cows were left injured, and four others went missing.
Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed the incident to DAILY POST on Saturday. She stated that Usman Abubakar, the cattle owner, alerted the police, leading to an ongoing investigation.
She explained, “The Ogun State Police Command is looking into an incident reported on February 28, 2025, involving community leaders and cattle herders in the Ifo area.
“On February 25, 2025, at about 0100 hours, Mr. Usman Abubakar of Olorunsogo Village informed us that his herders were moving cattle through Oba Karounwi Village, near Ifo, when they were confronted by local leaders (Baales) from Oba’s Gidimo and Oba Oseni, along with hunters.
“Despite the herders’ requests for help, the group allegedly attacked the cattle, killing four cows, which were butchered and distributed among the assailants; two cows were injured, and four others disappeared.”
Odutola mentioned that officers from the Ifo division responded swiftly to the report and apprehended the suspects.
She also revealed that during questioning, Obasa and Abdullahi admitted to witnessing the attack and accepting meat from a hunter named Terry, which has been retrieved.
Odutola pointed out that the Baales had previously reported an assault by the herders at the Agbado division. She added that the Ifo divisional police officer would oversee the investigation, suspecting some deception in the matter.
Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo has introduced initiatives to promote peace and prevent ethnic tensions.
Ogunlowo called on all parties involved and the public to stay calm and refrain from actions that might intensify tensions. He assured that the police command is dedicated to carrying out a thorough and fair investigation to ensure justice is upheld.
