Police Launch Investigation After Masquerade Allegedly Kills Youth in Oyo State

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a masquerade identified as Asoleke over the alleged killing of a 24-year-old man, Sefiu Kehinde, during a traditional masquerade procession in the Labiran area of Ibadan.

The incident occurred on Sunday and reportedly sparked outrage among residents after the victim was allegedly attacked with dangerous weapons by the masquerade and some of its followers during the procession.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the case was reported at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters by Mrs. Aderemi, who received a distress call from her elder sister alleging that the Asoleke masquerade and its followers had attacked her younger brother.

According to the police, Kehinde was allegedly assaulted with axes and cutlasses, sustaining severe injuries to different parts of his body. The Divisional Police Officer of Mapo Division immediately led officers to the scene, rescued the victim and rushed him to a hospital for emergency treatment.

Olayinka said the attending doctor later confirmed Kehinde dead on arrival. Detectives subsequently processed the crime scene and documented evidence, including photographs, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing commenced.

The command said the deceased's body was released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. It added that the masquerade identified as Asoleke had been arrested in connection with the incident, while four other suspected accomplices remain at large.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation. He also ordered detectives to launch a manhunt for the fleeing suspects to determine the role played by each individual involved.

The police appealed to residents to remain calm and assist the investigation by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects. The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that no cultural or traditional activity would be allowed to serve as a cover for violence and assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.