The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the civil unrest that recently erupted in the Ojoo community of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The command also used the opportunity to strongly condemn acts of jungle justice, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands and stressing that criminal suspects should always be handed over to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to the statement, the four suspects have been taken into custody and are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, where detectives have commenced investigations into the incident.
Although the police did not provide detailed information about the circumstances that led to the unrest or the specific offences for which the suspects were arrested, the command assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing and that all those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order across the state, noting that no individual or group has the authority to administer justice outside the legal framework.
The command expressed concern over the growing trend of mob actions and extra-judicial punishments, describing jungle justice as a dangerous practice that undermines the rule of law and could lead to the punishment of innocent people.
According to the statement, while citizens have a responsibility to remain vigilant and assist security agencies in combating crime, they must avoid resorting to violence or taking unilateral action against individuals suspected of committing offences.
The police emphasised that every suspect is entitled to due process under the law and should be allowed to face investigation and trial through the appropriate legal channels.
The command urged residents to promptly report criminal activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies instead of attempting to punish suspects themselves.
It added that timely reporting and cooperation with law enforcement authorities remain the most effective means of ensuring justice while preserving public peace and order.
The statement further warned that anyone found participating in mob attacks, acts of violence or other forms of jungle justice would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police assured residents of Ojoo and other communities in Oyo State that adequate security measures are being maintained to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property.
The command also appealed for calm, urging members of the public not to spread rumours or engage in actions capable of escalating tensions while investigations continue.
It reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out a thorough and impartial investigation into the unrest, promising that anyone found to have played a role in the violence would face the full weight of the law.
The Oyo State Police Command further called on community leaders, youth groups and residents to support efforts aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.
According to the command, maintaining security is a shared responsibility that requires continuous collaboration between the police and members of the public.
The latest arrests underscore the police’s determination to tackle civil disturbances and discourage acts of vigilantism, which have increasingly drawn concern from law enforcement authorities and human rights advocates.
The command concluded by reiterating that justice can only be achieved through lawful procedures and urged citizens to place their trust in the legal system rather than resorting to self-help or mob action.
