46 people were killed in Ile-Ife, say police as 20 suspects are paraded

At least 46 people lost their lives, while 96 others sustained injuries in the inter-ethnic crisis that broke out in Ile-Ife, Osun state, on March 8.

Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the police, said this in Abuja on Monday, revealing that 38 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Speaking while the suspects were paraded on Monday, Moshood said 38 people were initially arrested but 18 were let go because there was no evidence against them.

He said 81 of those were injured in the clash were treated at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) and discharged, while 15 were still receiving treatment.

“The special intervention force deployed to quell the crisis did not engage in indiscriminate arrests as being reported in some media but worked on actionable intelligence and other information gathered during and after the crisis,” Moshood said.

“And that is why 18 suspects found not to be involved in the crisis were released unconditionally.

“Traditional rulers, religious leaders, public office holders, politicians, opinion leaders, parents and guardians are hereby called upon to prevail on their subjects, supporters, children and wards to support the personnel of the Police Special Intervention Force still on ground in Ile-Ife and other flash points in Osun state in the discharge of their responsibilities, and propagate peace, demonstrate love, and tolerance to promote harmonious coexistence with their brothers and fellow citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclinations and differences.

“The inspector-general of police hereby assures the good people and communities of Ile-Ife and other parts of the state of adequate security and protection of their lives and properties and enjoins them to be law abiding and give a chance for peace to prevail.”