By ThePreview Team

 

The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man who was reportedly attacked during a traditional masquerade procession in the Labiran area in Ibadan.

The command said the victim, identified as Sefiu Kehinde, allegedly died after he was attacked with axes and cutlasses by a masquerader known as Asoleke and some of its followers during a procession on Sunday.

The police said the incident was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by a relative of the deceased after she received a distress call informing her that the victim had been brutally attacked.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement issued on Monday, said officers immediately responded to the report and rushed the victim to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“The victim was immediately evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty,” the statement said.

The police said officers processed the crime scene and documented evidence before the deceased’s family requested the release of his remains for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

It revealed that the masquerader identified as Asoleke has been arrested, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for four of his alleged accomplices.

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Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a full-scale investigation.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators,” Mr Olayinka added. He urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist investigators in apprehending the fleeing suspects.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality across the state,” he stated.