The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended a 46-year-old ritualist, Isiaka Adeniyi, for attempting to murder a 10-year-old boy who was hawking pepper in Ilorin, the state’s capital.
According to The PUNCH, spokespsrson for the State Police Command, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
She noted that the suspect allegedly lured the boy, whose name is withheld, into a room under the guise of purchasing pepper from him.
Adeniyi was detained on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the Oke-Foma area of Ilorin West Local Government Area.
“According to information received from the police at the C Division, on July 2, 2024, at about 1800 hrs, a report was received from Onidoko Police Post indicating that at about 1730 hrs, an incident occurred in the Abab Oke-Foma area of Ilorin.
“It was reported that a 10-year-old boy (name withheld) resident of Abab area Abayawo, Ilorin, was hawking pepper when he was lured into a room by a suspect identified as Isiaka Adeniyi, aged 46, from Ifedapo Community, Oke-Foma area, Ilorin.
“The suspect allegedly lured the victim under the pretext of purchasing pepper but instead covered the victim’s face with a cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife.
“Thanks to the swift action of vigilant community members, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the station. Preliminary investigation is underway, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough and discreet investigation,” the PPRO said.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, praised the proactive efforts of the community members in catching the suspect and ensuring justice in this serious matter.
“We urge the public to remain calm as we continue our investigation and assure them that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State.”
In response, the Kwara State Police Command has deployed tactical teams for public security in the state starting Sunday, July 7, and continuing beyond.
In another statement, the state Police Command explained that this action was taken due to past incidents observed on July 7, where cult-related activities led to harm and violence within the area.
The command, while assuring the citizens of their safety, stated that “it has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent any recurrence of such activities.
“To ensure the security of our community, we have intensified our surveillance measures and increased the presence of visible policing across all key areas in the state. Our officers will be conducting thorough patrols and security checks today, July 7, tomorrow (Monday), and thereafter to detect and deter any suspicious activity.
“We have deployed additional resources, including tactical teams and intelligence units to ensure a swift and effective response to security threats. These efforts are aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and maintaining public order.”
He called on all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through their emergency contact lines: 0812 527 5046 or 0703 206 9456, noting that their cooperation was essential in maintaining peace and security within the community.
