Date: 2016-08-10

The Kwara state police command has arrested one Mallam Jimoh Rara alleged to be the sponsor of the recent Killing of five persons in Obadare Village in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The command according to reports also recovered some dangerous weapons and ammunition from the suspect at undisclosed location in the town. It was also gathered that the suspect who was identified to be the brain behind the gruesome killing of the farmers last week had confessed to security operatives and even exposed other perpetrators. The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr Ajayi Okasan while confirming the arrest, yesterday in a telephone conversation with The Herald said the suspect would be paraded and charged to court after completion of investigation into the matter.

It could be recalled that victims identified as Aliyu Issah, Muhmini, Alhaji Saba, Madu Issa and Kadiri were killed last Tuesday at their farmland. And to prevent further break down of law and order in Share, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area and Tsaragi in Edu Local Government Area, the state government imposed dusk to dawn curfew in both communities with immediate effect.

The curfew has prevented human or vehicular movement in both communities between 6pm and 7am till further notice. Members of both communities were urged to remain calm and law abiding as government declared its commitment to securing the lives and property of all citizens and residents in the state.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has pledged to bring to book the culprits responsible for the murder of five farmers from Tsaragi District in Edu Local Government area of the state last week. The State Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira made the pledge when he led a powerful government delegation on a condolence visit to the Palace of Etsu Tsaragi and the affected family at Batakpan.

Elder Kisira who is also the Chairman of the State Boundary Commission stated that considerable progress and effort had been made to maintain peace in the communities and the state in general. The deputy governor described the incident as sad and unfortunate stressing that it was only under a peaceful atmosphere that appreciable development could be achieved.

He charged the people to embrace peace and prayed God to strengthen the families and the community to bear the loss. Responding, the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Kpoto thanked the government for sending the powerful delegation to commiserate with the people.

Alhaji Kpoto also described the incident as unfortunate and sad as the two communities were interwoven and had been cohabiting together. The Etsu Tsaragi explained that Share and Tsaragi had been destined to live together promising not to betray the fundamental principles and agreement of the founding fathers of the two communities.

Addressing the families and the people of Batakpan, Elder Kisira urged them to take solace in the facts that "it is only God that giveth and taketh lives". The deputy governor prayed God to grant the families and the entire community the fortunate to bear the loss.

Responding on behalf of the community, Alhaji Ndako Batako thanked the state government for its concern and for identifying with them during the trying period. The deputy governor was accompanied by members of the state executive council, Special Advisers and top government functionaries.