By DAYO JOHNSON

AKURE — POLICE Commissioner in Ondo State, Mr. Patrick Dukumor, yesterday, said that timely intervention by the police saved the traditional ruler of the troubled Ile-Oluji, Oba Suulade Adedugbe, from being killed by the youths who were bent on sacking him from the palace.

Dukumor, who read riot act to those he called trouble makers in the town said their intention was to kill the Oba and razed down his palace.

He pointed out that the protesters vented their anger on policemen when they could not carry out the devilish mission.

He noted that the protesters attacked his men with guns, cudgels, broken bottles, other dangerous weapons, during the three-day violence.

According to him the protesters provoked policemen deployed to restore peace in the town but they restrained themselves.

He said that the DPO of Ile Oluji was not spared in the attack by the protesters.

He said that the protesters ignored all entreaties from him when he personally visited the town to address them and from notable leaders of the town.

Dukumor pointed out that the police officer who was operated upon in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, is now stable and responding to treatment.

The police Chief, however, said that 17 suspects already in police custody will be charged to court next week and vowed to bring those behind the public disturbances in the town to book.

According to him those that have fled the town would be arrested and made to face the music.