The Oyo State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with an assault occasioning harm arising from a land dispute in Eruwa, while efforts continue to apprehend two other suspects identified in connection with the incident.

According to the Police, the incident was reported on 14 September 2026 at about 1610hrs by a spirited individual who intervened after the attack, rescued the victim and ensured that he received medical attention before reporting the matter to the police.

A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, said that after receiving the report, detectives from Eruwa Division commenced an investigation and visited the scene of the incident.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that on 11 September 2026 at about 1200hrs, the victim went to a farmland located between Eruwa and Ayete, at Abule Oba-Gboru Village, through Okanlawon Village, an area reportedly subject to a land dispute.

“At the farmland, the victim reportedly encountered Agboola Emmanuel ‘M’, Dare Agboola ‘M’ and Monday ‘M’, who were engaged in charcoal production using firewood.

“A disagreement subsequently arose and escalated into an altercation, during which the three men allegedly used machetes to inflict injuries on the victim.

“As the investigation progressed, detectives arrested Agboola Emmanuel, who, during interrogation, admitted his involvement and provided information identifying the other two individuals involved in the attack.

“The information obtained has consequently enabled the police to establish their identities, while detectives are intensifying efforts to apprehend them and bring them to justice.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, particularly in matters relating to land ownership, boundaries and other civil disputes.

The Commissioner stressed that the existence of a civil or land dispute does not confer on any individual the right to assault, threaten, intimidate or use weapons against another person.

He said parties involved in such disputes should seek redress through the courts or other recognised lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms.

The Command further reminded the public that a matter may begin as a civil dispute but become criminal when violence is introduced, exposing those responsible to arrest, investigation, and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Oyo State Police Command, however, urged all parties to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing lawful remedies.

The Command remained committed to protecting lives and property and will take necessary action against anyone who resorts to violence in an attempt to enforce a perceived right. (The Nation)