Oyo Police Vow Thorough Probe Of Agbaje Market Violence, Engage Party Leaders

By Victoria Isaac 

The Oyo State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation into the recent violence at Agbaje Market during a political gathering, pledging to identify and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The assurance followed a stakeholder engagement between the command and representatives of political parties across the state, aimed at promoting peaceful political participation and preventing violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the meeting provided an opportunity for police and political stakeholders to discuss mutual respect, adherence to the law and the need to sustain peace across the state.

The Commissioner of Police warned that political disagreements must not threaten public peace, undermine security or reverse the progress made in maintaining a safe environment.

During the engagement, political party representatives and other stakeholders commended the command’s intervention and called for a thorough investigation into the Agbaje Market incident. They urged the police to ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The stakeholders also pledged their cooperation and support for the command’s efforts to maintain peace throughout the electioneering period.

In a related development, the women caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s Women Leader, Dr Adekemi Opatunde, alongside an aspirant, visited the Police Headquarters to appreciate the command’s approach to political security.

The delegation also pledged to collaborate with the police to ensure peaceful political activities ahead of the elections.

Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s readiness to work with all political parties and their supporters without prejudice.

He urged political leaders to notify the police of planned political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a recurrence of incidents such as the violence at Agbaje Market.

Addressing the incident, the commissioner assured the delegation and the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and fairly, with respect for the rule of law.

The command also called on political party leaders, aspirants, supporters and other stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and provocative actions, maintain peaceful conduct and promptly inform the police of planned political gatherings.

It stressed that political ambition must not come at the expense of human lives, public order and the collective security of the state.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, impartiality and the protection of lives and property, urging all political stakeholders to make peaceful political participation a shared responsibility.