By: Sunday Ameh
The Aponmu-Lona community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State has been thrown into shock following the arrest of three persons over the alleged poisoning of its main source of drinking water.
One of the suspects was reportedly caught in the act by vigilant residents, who immediately apprehended him and handed him over to the police.
His arrest subsequently led to the capture of two other alleged accomplices, who are currently in custody at the Idanre Police Division.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Babalola Bolujare, the Olu of Aponmu-Lona, linked the incident to an ongoing land dispute involving suspected hoodlums.
According to the monarch, the community has been under sustained attack by armed individuals who allegedly invaded their land and destroyed cocoa plantations and other economic crops.
He disclosed that a formal petition had earlier been submitted to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, prompting an order for investigation by the Inspector General of Police.
Bolujare explained that while the investigation into the land dispute was still ongoing, the alleged attempt to poison the community’s water source was uncovered.
“We have been dealing with the destruction of our farmlands by armed thugs who claim ownership of our land. While that matter is under investigation, some individuals went as far as poisoning the stream our people depend on for drinking water,” he said.
The monarch added that the initial suspect allegedly made confessional statements, leading to the arrest of two others believed to be involved in the act.
He called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of all those implicated, warning against any attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet.
In a petition dated March 11, 2026, filed by Ogunleye & Ogunleye (His Mercy & Chambers) on behalf of the community, the petitioners warned of a possible breakdown of law and order if urgent action is not taken.
The petition, titled “Urgent Call to Avert Looming Communal Warfare Between Akure and Idanre Communities, Flagrant Criminal Contempt of Court and Malicious Destruction of Economic Crops,” appealed for immediate intervention to prevent escalation.
It also cautioned against a repeat of past communal crises, noting that the current situation could spiral into widespread violence if not properly addressed.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the suspects are in custody.
He added that investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish culpability.
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