Igoba Community Attacked by Hoodlums, Monarch Escapes Assassination Attempt

Ondo Police Launch Special Unit to Tackle Rising Violent Crimes

Police Nab Fake Midwife, Prophetess Over Suspected Maternal Deaths in Ondo The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a self-acclaimed midwife and a prophetess, in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths in Akure and Emure-Ile. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests followed tragic incidents recorded under suspicious circumstances in both locations. In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing reportedly died after going into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area of Akure. The residence, said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly posed as a midwife, became the scene of the tragedy after the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be moved to a hospital. Police detectives who visited the location discovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was subsequently arrested. In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, a 20-year-old woman, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile during labour. The church’s prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died en route to a hospital after developing complications. The prophetess has also been taken into custody. The police said the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy. The Command assured that comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the deaths and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. It also cautioned the public against seeking medical care from unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of using licensed healthcare facilities, particularly for critical procedures such as childbirth. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to curb criminal practices across the state.

Police Deepen Community Engagement with Sanitation, Free Medical Outreach in Ondo

Igoba Community Attacked by Hoodlums, Monarch Escapes Assassination Attempt

Akure, Ondo State – 4th October, 2025

The Ondo State Police Command has successfully foiled a violent attack on Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area, arresting ten suspects and recovering several firearms and dangerous weapons. The incident, which occurred on 2nd October 2025 at approximately 11:30 am, involved an armed group that launched a coordinated assault on the community, targeting residents and the palace of the local monarch.

According to the police, the hoodlums were armed with firearms, knives, charms, and other weapons. During the attack, Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo was severely injured and robbed. The attackers then advanced to the palace of His Royal Highness, Oba Adinlewa John of Igoba, where they attempted to assassinate the monarch. Fortunately, the royal father narrowly escaped the deadly attempt on his life.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, swiftly deployed tactical teams led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations. The police team arrested ten suspects, who have since confessed to their involvement in the violent unrest.

Recovered items from the suspects include:

Two locally fabricated pistols

One single-barrel gun

Several rounds of live ammunition

Assorted charms

Knives and machetes

Other dangerous weapons

The injured victim is currently receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery. Efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects are ongoing. Security has been reinforced in Igoba Community to restore normalcy and prevent further disturbances.

CP Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, underscoring the proactive, people-centered policing approach championed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. He warned that Ondo State will not tolerate lawlessness and vowed to bring all criminals to justice.

The Ondo State Police Command urges residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities, assuring them of maximum security across the state.