Ikire Attack: Police Arrest Four Suspects, Launch Manhunt for Armed Gang Leader Ayewo
The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the August 24 attack on police personnel at Ikire, where an AK-47 rifle was reportedly snatched from a police officer and subsequently used to shoot three policemen and two passers-by. The incident led to the death of the two civilians, while the injured police officers were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Umar Zungura, disclosed the arrests during a press briefing on Thursday, saying the suspects were apprehended on August 26 following credible intelligence and technical analysis by police operatives.
According to the Command, the suspects allegedly identified themselves as political thugs and named one Ayewo, whose other name is unknown, as the leader of their faction and the individual who allegedly used the stolen rifle during the attack. Police said one cutlass-like object was recovered from the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Ayewo and other fleeing members of the group.
Read the statement in full below:
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OSUN STATE COMMAND, CP IBRAHIM UMAR ZUNGURA, psc(+), mnips
Good afternoon, gentlemen of the press.
The Osun State Police Command has invited you today to brief the public that, the Command has made significant progress in its investigation into the unfortunate incident that occurred on Monday, 24th August 2026, at Ikire, Osun State where the DPO Ikire and his men make a swift response to the distress call. On getting to Naira & Kobo area Ikire, a group of armed hoodlums numbering about 30 descended on the Police Officers and forcefully snatched a AK 47 rifle from one of the Policemen. One of the hoodlums popularly known as Ayewo started shooting sporadically with the snatched AK 47 rifle which hit three Policemen and two passers-by. Which later resulted to the death of the two passers-by while the hoodlums ran away with the Police official rifle and the injured Policemen were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Following credible intelligence gathered and painstaking technical analysis of available information relating to the incident, operatives of the Osun State Police Command, on Wednesday, 26th August 2026, successfully arrested four (4) suspects in-connection with the attack.
The suspects are:
1. Sikiru Ademola Adedeji ‘m’ age 21 years
2. Olalere Taiwo ‘m’ age 21 years
3. Olalere Ademola ‘m’ age 26 years
4. Bankole Abiodun ‘m’ age 20 years
One (1) cutlass-like object was recovered from the suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, they all confessed to be political thugs and their faction is headed by one Ayewo ‘m’ other name unknown and it was Ayewo that shot the snatched AK 47 riffle that hit the victims. Investigation is ongoing for the arrest of Ayewo and others at large.
The Commissioner of Police commends the operatives involved in the investigation for their professionalism, dedication and effective utilisation of intelligence and technical capabilities in tracking down the suspects.
The Command wishes to assure members of the public that the investigation is ongoing, and every individual found to have participated in or contributed to the commission of the offence will be made to face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner further appeals to members of the public to continue to provide the Police with credible and timely information that can assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.
The Osun State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the State.
Thank you.
