The residence of Ramoni Opeyemi a.k.a. Alubarika, one of the clerics arrested for allegedly killing one Tunde and cutting off his head and other body parts, was mysteriously set ablaze by unknown persons at Alapata Community, Apete, in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It was learnt that the fire was noticed at about 7:30 pm, Monday, 30th of October 2023.
Police officers from Apete Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adegoke Rufus Akanle, were seen at the scene with two patrol vehicles, manning the area to prevent any untoward happening.
A resident of the area who craved anonymity said he was in his house when he and neighbours heard a loud noise.
“As we came out to know what was happening, we saw fiercely burning fire emanating from Alubarika’s house. It was already dark then.
“At first, we all ran away from the sound coming from the raging fire.
“We also noticed a huge crowd watching the inferno from a distance to the building. That was when we called the Apete Division to notify them of the development,” the resident explained.
When the Nigerian Tribune got to the scene at about 8:50 p.m., it could be seen that the intensity of the fire had reduced as it had started raining.
It was also gathered that officials of the Oyo State Fire Service called through the control room and could not get to the scene of the incident as it had a slight brush with a car while trying to manoeuvre through traffic congestion on Apete Road.
Angry with the driver of the fire service truck on emergency duty, a passenger in the car, a Toyota Camry with registration number AGL 707 JC, allegedly attacked him on the steering wheel, forcing his foot off the brake.
The passenger was also reported to have removed the truck’s key from the ignition in anger.
The truck slid back uncontrollably and hit a Kia vehicle with registration number FKJ 116 GA.
This resulted in the smashing of the car’s windscreen, while its bonnet, wipers and other parts were also damaged.
Irked by the passenger’s act, the mob reportedly pounced on him, hitting him with sticks.
He was, however, rescued by the Apete Division police, who took him into custody for safety.
After receiving the call about the accident, the DPO, two Divisional Crime Officers (DCOs) and some other police personnel were seen leaving the fire incident scene to attend to the situation, while other officers stayed back to keep watch.
As at the time of leaving the scene at 9:45 pm, the fire had yet to be put off, though already substantially reduced by the continuous rainfall.
. TheWitness
