Ibarapa Attack: YAB Members Allegedly Arrested as Police Launch Manhunt Weeks after Deadly Violence 

Youth Group Raises Alarm Over Threats to Members as Suspected Attackers Are Reportedly Released

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe 

Fresh tension has reportedly gripped communities in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State following allegations that police authorities have begun arresting and searching for members of the Youth Against Banditry (YAB) organisation, weeks after a deadly attack that reportedly claimed more than 26 lives.

The development comes after the June 5, 2021 incident in the Gan Gan area, where suspected Fulani herdsmen were accused of killing residents, burning houses, destroying filling stations, and attacking properties belonging to traditional rulers.

During a follow-up visit to the affected communities several weeks after the incident, it was gathered that members of YAB had become targets of police investigations over their reported involvement in organising local resistance against suspected armed herdsmen.

According to information obtained from residents and members of the organisation, the youth group had allegedly formed an alliance aimed at driving suspected armed herdsmen out of communities affected by repeated kidnappings, attacks, and the unlawful occupation of farmlands.

However, police authorities were reportedly investigating the group over allegations that its members had taken the law into their own hands.

Sources within the community claimed that some members of the organisation had already been arrested, while others had fled their homes to avoid possible detention.

Speaking with Ibrahim Kegbegbe during the follow-up investigation, a member of Youth Against Banditry, identified as Azeez Dimeji, expressed serious concerns over the safety of the organisation’s members and other residents.

Dimeji alleged that several members of the group had gone into hiding following reports that the police were searching for individuals associated with the organisation.

He explained that the situation had become particularly dangerous because some suspected Fulani attackers who had previously been detained were reportedly released by the police.

According to Dimeji, the police allegedly justified the release of the suspects on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them.

He expressed concern that the development had exposed individuals who provided information about the suspected attackers to possible retaliation.

Dimeji further alleged that many of the whistleblowers were members of YAB who had previously assisted in identifying suspected perpetrators of kidnapping, attacks, and other criminal activities within the communities.

He maintained that the reported release of some suspects, combined with the alleged police pursuit of YAB members, had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The youth representative also raised concerns that individuals who had openly reported criminal activities could now face threats from those they had accused.

According to him, several members of the organisation had abandoned their homes and normal activities, while others were reportedly living in hiding for fear of arrest or possible attacks.

Dimeji accused security authorities of failing to provide adequate protection for residents despite repeated complaints about kidnappings, killings, attacks on farmers, and other violent incidents.

He questioned why individuals who had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity were allegedly facing police investigations while some suspected perpetrators had reportedly regained their freedom.

The situation has reportedly heightened anxiety among residents, particularly those who previously provided information to security agencies or supported the activities of the youth organisation.

Some community members expressed fears that the alleged pursuit of YAB members could discourage residents from reporting criminal activities or cooperating with future security investigations.

The controversy has also renewed concerns over the relationship between local security groups and law enforcement authorities in communities affected by prolonged insecurity.

Residents called for an impartial investigation into both the June 5 killings and the subsequent allegations involving the police and members of Youth Against Banditry.