Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the suspected murder of a 62-year-old woman in the Ori-Apata area of Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan.
Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka disclosed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday. According to him, the arrests followed an intensive investigation launched after the victim’s body was discovered in a bush path within the community.
The deceased, whose identity has not yet been formally released pending full family notification, was reportedly last seen when she went out to collect vegetables. Days later, a passerby stumbled upon her lifeless body and alerted authorities.
Olayinka said police personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. On arrival, officers found the woman lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut to her neck, suggesting a violent attack. Preliminary findings indicated that the body had been at the location for approximately seven days before its discovery.
The command stated that detectives began gathering evidence and conducting interviews within the community, which eventually led to the arrest of two suspects. The suspects are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where they are cooperating with investigators.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects or detailed the nature of their alleged involvement, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. Police officials, however, confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend any additional accomplices who may have been involved in the crime.
The killing initially triggered tension in the Ori-Apata community, with grieving family members and sympathizers staging protests to demand swift justice. Residents expressed anger over the circumstances of the woman’s death and concerns about safety in the area.
Police said the situation was brought under control through the prompt intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Ido Division, working in coordination with local government authorities. Law enforcement officials engaged community leaders to de-escalate tensions and assure residents of a thorough investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, has directed the deployment of additional personnel to the affected area. According to the command, this measure is intended to maintain public order, increase visibility policing, and restore a sense of security among residents.
Community members described the victim as a familiar figure in the area, noting that her routine of gathering vegetables was well known. The manner in which her body was discovered, and the indication that it remained undiscovered for several days, has raised concerns about surveillance and emergency response in semi-rural parts of Ibadan.
Security analysts note that crimes occurring in bush paths and less trafficked areas often pose investigative challenges, particularly when there is a delay between the time of death and the discovery of the body. Forensic evidence can degrade over time, complicating efforts to reconstruct events accurately.
The police have urged members of the public to provide any relevant information that could assist the investigation. They also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements promptly and to exercise caution when travelling through isolated areas.
While investigations continue, legal experts observe that murder cases in Nigeria require prosecutors to establish intent, causation and identity of the perpetrators beyond reasonable doubt. The police are expected to compile a comprehensive case file before forwarding it to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and possible charges.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about community policing and the need for collaborative security efforts between residents and law enforcement agencies. Local leaders have called for improved lighting, patrol presence and neighbourhood watch initiatives to deter criminal activity.
As the Oyo State Police Command works to conclude its investigation, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law. For now, the community of Ori-Apata remains in mourning, awaiting further updates on a case that has shaken the area’s sense of safety.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments