The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old ritualist who was attempting to slaughter a 10-year-old boy hawking pepper in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspect, identified as Isiaka Adeniyi, was apprehended on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, in the Oke-Foma area of Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The incident was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, in a statement on Sunday. Toun reported that the suspect allegedly lured the young hawker (name withheld) into a room under the pretense of buying pepper from him.
“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 Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the proactive efforts of the community members in apprehending the suspect and ensuring that justice was served in the grievous 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.”
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has announced the deployment of tactical teams to enhance public security in the state starting from Sunday, July 7th, and continuing thereafter.
In another statement, the state Police Command cited previous incidents on July 7th involving cult-related activities that led to harm and violence in the area.
Assuring the safety of citizens, the command stated, “It has implemented extensive measures to prevent any reoccurrence of such incidents.”
“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 urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report 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 vital in the collective effort to maintain peace and security within the community.