Police begin manhunt for killers

By Tola Gbadamosi
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The Ondo State Police Command said it has launched a manhunt to track down the suspected bandits  who killed Mrs Olufunke Olakunrin,  daughter of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

Speaking with newsmen at  Pa Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, the police boss, Mr Undie Adie, disclosed that all efforts were ongoing to apprehend the hoodlums. But he, however, said those who killed the victim were bandits and not herdsmen.

He said, “that cannot be confirmed. But all we know is that these are bandits that came to the road and started firing sporadically at motorists that were driving on the highway.

“That is what it is. There is no person who  can say specifically that they were herdsmen.

“What we know is that they are bandits and we are going after them.

“That cannot be determined now. What I know is that the driver rescued has made useful statement to aid in unravelling this.”

He further explained that they had reinforced security in the area, and combed the bushes, but it had not yielded any result so far.

“Immediately the incident was ongoing, patrol teams were alerted and they moved immediately to the scene.

“In fact, that enabled us to rescue some of the persons that were attacked within the shooting area.

“More steps are being taken. We are meeting with the locals. I don’t think it will be appropriate for me to reveal all the other measures we have put in place to make sure we rid that area completely off any form of violent criminality.

However, Mr Kehinde Fasoranti, a younger brother to the deceased, told newsmen that the police in Ore had disclosed that the bandits operated like Fulani herdsmen.

We need to get the story straight. The way they operated, according to what the Police said in Ore, is the way Fulani herdsmen operate.

“Six people were in front shooting at them. The driver put the car in reverse. But unknown to him, some men were in the bush already and started shooting from the side and back.

“The story that these are just bandits is a lie. If you want records, request for the report I made at the Ore Police station. They categorically said its Fulani herdsmen.

“It’s about time we stand up and fight back. Nobody is protecting us. Eventually, they will come inside the house and kidnap people.

“Enough is enough. We can’t continue like this. I want the police to retract what they are saying. They are Fulani herdsmen,” he stressed .