The Kwara State Police Command, on Sunday, said it had recorded significant strides in its fight against crime, with arrests made in several cases ranging from murder and kidnapping to armed robbery and stolen goods recovery.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, Adekimi Ojo, the Commissioner of Police, affirmed that the Command that in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on intelligence-led and community-focused policing, the Command remains committed to upholding security across the State.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to bring criminals to justice and protect lives and property. We are working closely with communities to ensure a safer Kwara,” Ojo assured.
In a disturbing case of homicide in Baruten LGA, two suspects, Aminu Gona and Haruna Umar, were arrested for allegedly killing a farm labourer named Gunu and burying his body on farmland.
The incident came to light when the complainant, Halidu Yakubu, spotted one of the suspects digging suspiciously. A hoe and stick believed to have been used in the murder were recovered. A third suspect, identified only as “Focuse”, remains on the run.
Similarly, in Ilorin Zango area, tragedy struck when the body of a missing two-month-old baby, Adam Tahiru, was found in a well days after being declared missing. The baby was allegedly taken while the mother was observing prayers.
The Police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the case. Ojo described the incident as “heartbreaking” and assured that “no stone will be left unturned to deliver justice.”
In another breakthrough, the Command uncovered a criminal conspiracy involving the diversion of 900 bags of cement worth ₦8 million. A suspect, Bashiru Suleiman, was arrested after impersonating a client and absconding with the goods meant for delivery in Ilorin. The truck was found emptied at Bala, Ilorin. The truck driver and his assistant are still at large.
Police operatives also apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Garba, in the Ajase-Ipo axis. He was arrested with an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition. “This arrest is a significant step in disrupting organised kidnapping networks in the state,” CP Ojo said.
In Kaiama, a group of four suspects was arrested by vigilance group with dangerous items including a locally-made pistol, three explosives, and a paramilitary-style jacket. The case was escalated to federal authorities for further investigation due to the nature of the exhibits.
Meanwhile, a deadly kidnap operation was foiled in Oreke, following the killing of a farmer and the abduction of his sons. Five suspects were arrested.
The CP said, “the Command is intensifying efforts to rescue the victims and unravel the full extent of the syndicate.”
