CHIEF IMAM ALLEGEDLY LEAD ARMED THUGS IN VIOLENT ATTACK ON AGBAGI COMMUNITY, SCORES INJURED
Agbagi, Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State | March 20, 2026
Residents of Agbagi Community in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised grave concerns following a violent and coordinated attack that occurred on March 20, 2025, leaving several individuals seriously injured and the entire community in fear.
According to a formal petition submitted to the appropriate authorities, the incident involved a group of armed individuals who forcefully invaded a residential compound while families and other residents were making preparations for the Eid al-Fitr celebration. The attackers were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, including machetes, cutlasses, and broken bottles, which were used to inflict injuries on unsuspecting victims.
Several residents sustained varying degrees of harm, including deep machete cuts and other serious injuries. The attack caused widespread panic, disrupted community peace, and posed a significant threat to lives and property.
The petition alleges that the attack was led by Abbas Jamiu Olokuta, identified within the community as a Chief Imam, alongside other individuals namely Afeez Hamzat (Imam Aare Central Mosque), Adeshina Kehinde, AbdGaniy Lateef Olasumboand Hamzat Ayinla.
Eyewitness accounts and statements from affected residents describe the incident as deliberate, coordinated, and targeted. It is further alleged that some of the individuals involved have a history of violent conduct within the community, raising serious concerns about ongoing threats to public safety.
On a separate occasion following the initial attack, two of the suspects reportedly returned at night with the intent to carry out another assault on a resident, who narrowly escaped. The individuals allegedly proceeded to throw stones at the residence, reinforcing fears of continued intimidation and harassment. Evidence of these incidents has reportedly been documented and submitted to relevant authorities.
Following the attack, the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer of Iseyin Local Government Area, who deployed officers to the scene. However, it is of deep concern to residents that, as of the time of this release, no arrests have been confirmed and the alleged perpetrators are said to be moving freely within the community.
Residents have also expressed growing alarm over credible reports suggesting that the individuals involved may regroup to launch further attacks, particularly in view of scheduled community gatherings. This has created an atmosphere of heightened tension and insecurity.
More troubling are allegations from multiple residents that some of the suspects have been making statements suggesting they are protected by influential political backing of a former House of Representative member from Iseyin, Honorable Shina Peller. According to these claims, the individuals have reportedly boasted that they would face no consequences even in the event of fatal harm to residents, they have significantly intensified fear within the community and raised serious concerns about potential obstruction of justice and accountability.
In light of these developments, affected residents and concerned stakeholders are urgently calling on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to restore order and public confidence.
The community is calling for immediate and decisive action from relevant authorities, including the urgent arrest of all individuals named in connection with the attack, the conduct of a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the incidents, the deployment of adequate security personnel to protect residents and prevent further violence, a comprehensive review of how the case has been handled at the divisional level to ensure accountability, and clear assurance that no individual or group will be shielded from justice regardless of their status or influence.
Residents emphasize that urgent intervention is required to prevent escalation and to ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.