Ijesa Youths Applaud Police Arrests, Demand Action Against Others Over Alleged Violence

The Ijesa Youths Forum, an umbrella body representing youths across Ijesaland, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for what it described as a decisive response to recent security concerns in Ilesa and other parts of the region.

The group specifically praised the police for the arrest of Felix Alalade, identified as the Media Assistant to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who the forum said was allegedly among those involved in a recent shooting incident in Ilesa.

The forum also applauded the arrest of a man identified as Ayoade, whom it alleged was caught using an illegal siren to intimidate, harass and oppress residents.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Komolafe Amos D., the group said the arrests had demonstrated that political influence or social connections should not place anyone above the law.

The forum said the latest police actions were important for restoring confidence among residents and sending a clear warning to individuals allegedly involved in activities capable of undermining peace in Ijesaland.

According to the group, “This decisive action by the police shows that no one is above the law, regardless of political office or connection. The peace and safety of Ijesa people must remain paramount.”

The youths said they were particularly encouraged by what they described as the willingness of the police to act when allegations of criminality or intimidation were brought to their attention.

They therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to sustain the momentum and ensure that other individuals allegedly involved in acts capable of threatening the peace of the community are also investigated.

“We urge the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police not to relent in this effort,” the forum said, stressing that law enforcement agencies should “go after all other individuals disturbing the peace of Ijesa land.”

The Ijesa youths also called for renewed efforts to locate Solomon Adefioye, popularly known as “Solo Iwara,” whom they said has been on the police wanted list for a considerable period over alleged involvement in killings and other violent activities in the community.

The group urged the police to intensify the search for him and ensure that anyone suspected of involvement in violence is brought before the appropriate authorities to face due process.

“We specifically call on the police to intensify the manhunt for Mr. Solomon Adefioye, popularly known as ‘SOLO IWARA’, who has been on the wanted list for a long time for his alleged role in killings, violent activities within our community,” the statement said.

The forum argued that bringing alleged perpetrators to justice would have a wider impact than individual arrests, insisting that it would reinforce the message that violence, intimidation and thuggery would not be tolerated in Ijesaland.

The group said, “We believe that arresting all perpetrators will send a strong signal that Ijesa land will not be a haven for thuggery, violence, and intimidation.”

The Ijesa youths expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Osun State Police Command for their recent actions, urging them to remain focused on maintaining peace and protecting residents.

They said the police must continue to demonstrate impartiality by investigating security-related allegations irrespective of the political status, influence or connections of those involved.

“We praise the IGP and the Osun CP for this weldone job, and we encourage them to continue in their commitment to making peace reign in Ijesa land,” the forum stated.

The youths stressed that the security and wellbeing of residents should remain the overriding consideration in the handling of incidents capable of escalating tensions within the community.

They also called on residents to support lawful efforts by security agencies to maintain peace, while allowing investigations into allegations of criminal conduct to run their course.

The forum’s position comes amid concerns over security and alleged acts of intimidation in parts of Ijesaland, with the youths insisting that sustained and impartial law enforcement remains critical to preventing further violence and preserving the relative peace of the area.