Ondo police arrest 14 over mob attack, two officers injured

By Boye Oyeyemi

Fourteen suspects have been apprehended in Ondo State following a violent mob assault on a local police station that left two law enforcement officers wounded.

The chaotic confrontation erupted in the Ala community of Akure North Local Government Area after a crowd attempted to forcibly seize two suspects linked to the murder of a local farmer, Rasheed Hassan.

Tragically, the victim’s body was recovered on October 24 in a government reserve area displaying severe head wounds alongside missing personal belongings, sparking outrage across the community.

Seeking to ensure proper justice, a youth leader arrested two prospective suspects on October 26 and attempted to escort them safely into police custody.

However, an angry crowd quickly intercepted the group and demanded immediate control of the suspects to carry out jungle justice.

In response to the escalating threat, the youth leader took refuge inside the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters, forcing the aggressive mob to pelt the facility with stones and dangerous projectiles.

Although tactical units successfully evacuated the suspects under the cover of night, rioters ambushed the rescue convoy with pump-action shotguns, inflicting pellet wounds on two officers who were subsequently hospitalized.

Following the deployment of additional security personnel to restore order, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that 14 individuals have been detained as investigations continue.