Oyo Police command convenes dialogue to foster peaceful co-existence in communities

…As Elephant kills 45-year-old man, one missing

As part of efforts to address security concerns and strengthen communal harmony, the Oyo State Police Command met with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, leaders of the Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba communities, representatives of Miyetti Allah, farmers’ associations, market leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, and members of the Igbo community, among others.

This is coming as a wild elephant invaded Innayin Community in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, killing a 45-year-old man.

The meeting which held at the Command Headquarters, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders and focused on charting a sustainable path toward peaceful co-existence and enhanced security across Oyo State.

Ayanlade Olayinka, deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a statement said the forum served as an open and inclusive platform to deliberate on issues bordering on herder-farmer clashes, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities. Participants engaged in frank and constructive discussions, openly expressed concerns while collectively shifting from entrenched grievances toward practical and collaborative solutions.

In his address, commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, emphasised that true security cannot be achieved through enforcement alone but through mutual understanding and cooperation.

He noted that both farmers and herders play vital roles in the nation’s food security and economic stability, underscoring the need for peaceful collaboration.

The meeting yielded several key resolutions aimed at fostering both immediate and long-term stability.

Representatives of both farmers and herders’ associations pledged their commitment to working closely with the Police to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.

In their separate remarks, stakeholders expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Police Command for convening the timely and strategic meeting aimed at addressing lingering concerns among various groups.

They collectively acknowledged that the moment calls not for blame, but for unity of purpose—emphasising the need to build a common, prosperous future anchored on peace, trust, and mutual respect across Oyo State.

The Commissioner of Police further warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, reiterating the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, on the killing of a man by elephant, Ayanladen said: “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, at about 1530HRS, involving the invasion of Innayin Community by a wild elephant.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani ‘M’, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack. His remains have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for necessary medical examination and preservation.

“During ongoing search operations, another individual, identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin ‘M’, aged 50 years, was reported missing after an encounter with the same animal. Intensive efforts are currently underway to locate him.”

The Oyo PPRO said that the command wished to reassure residents of Innayin and adjoining communities that the situation was being closely managed, and all necessary measures were being taken to prevent further harm.

Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the affected area and report any sighting of the animal to security agencies promptly.