The family of Ayeni Oniku of the Iku Quarter in Ikare Akoko, in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, has called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Undie Adie, to order an investigation into the alleged destruction of their property by suspected hoodlums.
The hoodlums had last week reportedly invaded the community and destroyed property worth millions of naira belonging to the Ayeni Oniku family.
The family, in a petition made available to our correspondent on Thursday, alleged threat to its members’ lives by the suspected hoodlums.
Heraldnigeria.com gathered that the crisis was as a result of a chieftaincy tussle, which led to the attack on the residents of the community.
The petition, which was signed by the family’s lawyer, Mr Tolu Olowoyo, alleged that the hoodlums were being sponsored by some chiefs in the community over the chieftaincy matter.
The petition read in part, “The premises of our clients were invaded in a commando style by some hoodlums, who were fully armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. Our clients were beaten, harassed and sent out of their homes by the hoodlums.
“They (hoodlums) shot sporadically thereby, throwing the whole environment into a turmoil and disarray. A lot of people were injured; several others were tortured, while only a few were lucky to escape by the whiskers.
“Our clients are now living in fear, because they do not know when these people will strike again. Our clients have resolved not to engage their attackers in any duel, neither are they going to be tempted to go to the gutters with anyone; rather, they have decided to take this honourable path by reporting this matter to you for necessary actions.
“We urged you to swing into action as a matter of urgency and bring those who carried out this detestable and illegal act to book before they accomplish their despicable mission of throwing the whole community into chaos.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, who confirmed the development, said the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken.
“The CP is aware of the matter and he has promised to intervene. We are investigating the matter at the CID section,” Joseph stated.