The Kwara State Police Command has taken swift action by apprehending a 46-year-old man suspected of attempted murder after he tried to kill a 10-year-old boy who was hawking pepper in Ilorin, the state capital.
Isiaka Adeniyi, the suspect, was arrested on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the Oke-Foma area of Ilorin West Local Government Area. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, disclosed this incident in a statement on Sunday. According to Toun, Adeniyi allegedly enticed the young pepper hawker into a room, ostensibly to buy peppers from him. However, once inside, Adeniyi covered the boy’s face with a cloth and attempted to kill him with a knife.
Toun further elaborated that the incident was reported to the police at C Division around 6:00 PM on July 2nd, following a report from Onidoko Police Post at 5:30 PM. The tragic event took place in the Abab Oke-Foma area of Ilorin, where the boy, whose name has been withheld, resides in the Abab area of Abayawo, Ilorin.
The suspect, Isiaka Adeniyi, aged 46 and hailing from Ifedapo community, Oke-Foma area, Ilorin, is accused of luring the victim under false pretenses. Instead of buying pepper, he allegedly covered the boy’s face with a cloth and attempted to slaughter him with a knife.
Thanks to the prompt action of vigilant community members, Adeniyi was apprehended and promptly brought to the police station. Ejire-Adeyemi Toun noted that preliminary investigations are currently ongoing, with the case now transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough and discreet investigation.
In response to the incident, Victor Olaiya, the Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, commended the community’s swift response in apprehending the suspect. He assured the public of the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara State.
“We urge the public to remain calm as we continue our investigation,” reassured the police spokesperson. “Rest assured that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.”
In light of this disturbing event, the Kwara State Police Command has heightened security measures, deploying tactical teams across the state effective from Sunday, July 7, 2024. They have also urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station. Emergency contact lines are also available for immediate assistance: 0812 527 5046 or 0703 206 9456.
The attempted murder of the young boy has sparked widespread concern and shock within the community. Residents are encouraged to work closely with law enforcement to prevent such heinous acts and safeguard the well-being of everyone in Kwara State.