Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has reacted to the alleged arrest and detention of some members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) for arresting a notorious kidnapper called Iskilu Wakili in Ibarapa North Local Government Area.
Iskilu Wakili who is alleged by residents of Ibarapa in Oyo State to be responsible for a series of kidnappings and killings in the area was arrested on Sunday by OPC members and other local security groups.
OPC said the arrest was carried out after several attempts resulting in a gun battle on Sunday morning.
Iskilu Wakili who until Sunday was a faceless kidnapper, was nabbed alongside three of his accomplices, who have been fingered in various kidnappings and killings in the past in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun axis of the state.
He also has a history of allegedly seizing hectares of farmlands in the community with a threat to the lives of owners.
The OPC, however, raised an alarm that three of its operatives were detained when they went to hand over Mr Wakili to the police.
Governor Seyi Makinde reacting to the allegation and to avert another crisis, released a statement on Monday 8th March 2021, where he urged citizens to remain calm, as his administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the interest of the people are served. He said:
“We are aware of the events regarding Iskilu Wakili at Kajola community in Ibarapa North LGA, and the Nigeria police’s handling of the matter. I want to assure you that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the interests of the good people of Oyo State are protected.
I, therefore, urge all law-abiding citizens of the state to stay calm and go about their legitimate businesses. And to call 615 toll-free to report any security breaches in Oyo State,” he added.