Ojoo Crisis: AKK Urges Calm, Rejects Ethnic Narratives, Backs Police Investigation

Former Oyo State governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), has called for restraint and communal harmony following the recent violent unrest in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning against attempts to ethnicise what security authorities have described as a criminal incident.

Reacting to the disturbance in a statement issued on Friday, Kareem described the violence as tragic and unnecessary, expressing sadness over the loss of lives and destruction of property in the bustling commercial community.

He noted that the preliminary findings of the Oyo State Police Command indicated that the unrest stemmed from an attempted robbery at a Point-of-Sale (POS) outlet, which escalated into an incident of jungle justice before triggering reprisal attacks.

Kareem stressed that criminality should never be given an ethnic or communal identity, urging residents to disregard divisive narratives capable of inflaming tensions and undermining the peaceful coexistence that has existed among different ethnic groups in Ibadan for decades.

He commended the swift intervention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the military and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, for containing the situation and preventing a wider breakdown of law and order.

The former governorship aspirant also applauded the police for the arrest of suspects linked to the violence, insisting that those responsible should be prosecuted through lawful judicial processes rather than subjected to mob justice.

According to him, the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen grassroots security architecture, deepen collaboration between residents and security agencies, and eliminate the growing culture of jungle justice.

Kareem argued that sustainable peace in Oyo State would require greater investment in youth empowerment, community policing and technology-driven surveillance, particularly in busy commercial centres where criminal activities are more likely to occur.

He maintained that empowering traditional rulers, community leaders and local institutions to resolve disputes before they escalate would significantly reduce the chances of violent conflicts.

Calling on residents of Ojoo and other parts of the state to remain calm, Kareem urged them to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department and other relevant authorities.

He expressed confidence that allowing the rule of law to prevail would ensure justice for victims while preserving peace and stability across Oyo State.

Kareem further appealed to citizens not to allow isolated criminal acts to divide communities, stressing that dialogue, mutual respect and support for lawful institutions remain the most effective path toward lasting peace and security in the state.