Death of Osun Man Leads to Violence, Police Arrest 10

The death of a man known as Toheeb has caused unrest in Ikirun, Osun State. His body was reportedly found in an abandoned well. Police have arrested 10 suspects linked to his alleged murder and the burning of homes belonging to some of the suspects.

Community sources say Toheeb was killed by the suspects, who then hid his body in the well. One local resident, who wanted to stay anonymous for safety, explained that Toheeb was accused of theft. Some residents caught him and beat him before he escaped.

"A local security volunteer, called Gani, chased Toheeb, caught him, and allegedly killed him. When Toheeb was being beaten, one of his relatives saw it happen. But the relative did not know that Toheeb was later killed," the resident said.

"After Toheeb’s family waited for him to come home and he didn’t show up, they started visiting the homes of those who had beaten him. That is how they found out Gani was the one who chased and killed him."

The resident continued, "After Gani and some others killed Toheeb, they dumped his body in a well and covered it with sand."

Outraged locals later went to Gani's house and set it on fire. They also targeted homes belonging to Gani's family members and burned them down. Police have made arrests related to both incidents.

Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the events during a phone interview with PUNCH. He said Ganiyu Adeoye and five others were arrested for the murder.

Ojelabi mentioned that Toheeb had been missing for days before they found his body. He added that it took police and community members over five hours to recover the corpse from the well.

"We have arrested the following people for the murder of Toheeb: Azeez Rasheed, Afolayan Sodiq, Ganiyu Adeoye, Oguntoye Isiak, Kosamotu Asmiu, and Kehinde Sunday. One suspect is still on the run, and we are looking for him."

He also said, "Sadly, some sympathizers took the law into their own hands and burned houses belonging to the suspects. We have arrested four people for the arson. Our officers are on the ground to maintain peace and order.

The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, and Toheeb's body has been retrieved," Ojelabi concluded.