No fewer than nine suspects allegedly terrorising some villages over disputed land between Oyo and Osun states, have been arrested by the police. Sources within the security forces informed our correspondent that the suspects were arrested in three of the deserted villages and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday.
According to the sources, four of the suspects were found with firearms, while others were apprehended with stolen farm produce.
Based on recently published a feature titled, ‘From allies to adversaries: 400 farmers displaced as Oyo-Osun boundary dispute turns deadly’, detailing how farmers in villages such as Ogun-Ajo, Paku, Arikese, Ejisun, Oloyaa, Monlamu, Eleeru, Onilapa, Petugble, Maako, Eleye, and Ogundiran—claimed by both Osun and Oyo states—had been displaced by the ongoing crisis.The territorial dispute severely impacted hundreds of farmers, forcing them to flee their homes in the face of relentless violent attacks.
The crisis had also resulted in at least two deaths, with property destroyed.
Confirming the arrests, the acting Police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, said investigations were ongoing.
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