Police release bandit suspect Jobele protest – There was massive tension and disruption across parts of Oyo State on Tuesday as angry residents of Jobele community in Afijio Local Government Area staged a heavy protest after police allegedly released a suspected bandit who had earlier been captured by local vigilantes.

The protest caused a major gridlock along the busy Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbomoso highway as youths, elders and women blocked the road to demand explanations from security authorities.

Residents accused the police of secretly freeing the suspect barely 24 hours after he was handed over to them by members of the community who had apprehended him during a night security patrol.

Police release bandit suspect Jobele protest: Failed Kidnap Attempt Sparks Community Vigilance

The crisis reportedly began after a violent incident in the early hours of Saturday when suspected bandits attempted to kidnap a resident in Jobele.

According to eyewitness accounts, the criminals attacked a man during the failed abduction attempt, leaving him seriously wounded.

The victim was rushed to a hospital in Ogbomoso where he is still receiving treatment as of the time of filing this report.

The attack further heightened fear in the community which has been battling persistent insecurity for months.

Residents say criminal gangs operating in the surrounding bushes have repeatedly targeted villages in Afijio Local Government Area, carrying out kidnappings and armed attacks.

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Residents Organise Night Patrol

Story: Heavy protest rocked Ibadan yesterday, after police declared a bandit innocent and released him overnight. But the media is calling it an “insecurity protest.”

On Saturday midnight a bandit group seriously wou/nded a man after a failed kidnap operation in Jobele, Afijio,… pic.twitter.com/eie9a12aen

— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) March 11, 2026

Following the latest attack, members of the community decided to strengthen their own security measures.

Local youths, supported by elders and other residents, began organising vigilante patrols to monitor suspicious movements during the night.

The patrol teams reportedly took turns guarding the community to prevent further attacks from suspected bandits hiding in nearby forests.

The effort appeared to yield results in the early hours of Monday.

Suspect Arrested In Bush

Around 1:00 a.m. on Monday morning, residents reportedly spotted a suspicious man moving through the bushes near the community.

Members of the vigilante patrol quickly surrounded the area and eventually apprehended the suspect.

Community sources claimed the man was allegedly found with weapons believed to be used by the criminal group terrorising the area.

After detaining him overnight, residents decided to hand him over to law enforcement authorities.

The suspect was subsequently taken to the Jobele Police Division in Afijio Local Government Area on March 9.

Shock As Suspect Allegedly Disappears From Police Custody

However, later that same day, rumours began circulating in the community that the suspect was no longer in police custody.

Residents said they initially dismissed the reports as speculation.

But by Tuesday morning, community members decided to visit the police station to confirm the situation themselves.

To their shock, the suspect could not be produced.

According to residents, police officers allegedly informed them that the man had been released after he was believed to be innocent.

Massive Protest Erupts

The revelation immediately triggered anger among residents.

Youths, women and elderly members of the community gathered in large numbers and stormed the police station demanding answers.

Protesters accused the police of undermining the safety of the community by releasing a suspect who had been caught during a security patrol.

The demonstration soon escalated as hundreds of people blocked the Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbomoso highway.

The action led to heavy traffic congestion as vehicles were forced to halt for several hours.

Many commuters travelling between Oyo, Ibadan and Ogbomoso were stranded as protesters occupied sections of the road.

Community Demands Explanation

During the protest, community leaders demanded that the police explain why the suspect was allegedly released so quickly.

Residents also insisted on knowing who authorised the decision.

According to protesters, officers at the station were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the suspect’s release.

The situation further increased tension in the community as residents feared the bandit group might retaliate.

Bandit Attacks Reportedly Rising In Afijio

Residents claim that the same criminal gang has been responsible for several kidnapping incidents across communities in Afijio.

Local sources said at least seven people have been abducted in recent months by suspected bandits operating within the area.

Villages around Jobele have reportedly been living under constant fear due to the activities of the criminals.

Many residents believe the forests surrounding the communities provide hideouts for the bandits.

Police Commissioner Intervenes

The protest eventually began to calm after authorities took steps to address the situation.

Residents said the police officer responsible for handling the suspect at the station was detained following the controversy.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State also reportedly intervened and assured community leaders that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

According to residents present at the scene, the assurance helped reduce tension and persuaded protesters to gradually reopen the highway.

Questions Remain

Despite the intervention, many residents say they remain worried about the security situation in the area.

Community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure that suspected criminals are properly investigated before being released.

They also urged authorities to strengthen cooperation between local communities and law enforcement agencies.

For now, residents say they will continue maintaining their vigilante patrols to protect their communities while awaiting the outcome of the promised police investigation.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the growing security challenges facing rural communities in Oyo State.

Many residents believe stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies will be crucial in preventing further attacks.

As investigations continue, the people of Jobele say they are watching closely to see whether those responsible for the controversial release will be held accountable.

Source: TWITTER