By Peace Erewunmi

The arrest of four suspects in connection with the deadly attack on police officers in Ikire is an important development.

According to the Osun State Police Command, the attack left two civilians dead and three police officers injured after a group of armed hoodlums allegedly attacked officers who had responded to a distress call.

Police said an AK-47 rifle was allegedly forcefully taken from one of the officers during the attack and subsequently used in the shooting.

Four suspects have now been arrested, while the alleged gang leader, identified as Ayewo, remains at large.

The arrests represent progress. However, Nigerians have seen too many cases where the arrest of a few suspects creates the impression that justice has been served while the alleged masterminds and other individuals involved remain free.

This is why the ongoing manhunt for the fleeing suspect and others allegedly connected to the attack is just as important as the arrests already made.

The death of two civilians is particularly painful.

They were not necessarily the targets of the attack, yet they lost their lives in violence that erupted around them. Their deaths are another reminder that insecurity does not only affect those directly involved in criminal activities. Innocent people often become the biggest victims.

This case also raises serious questions about the growing influence of armed groups and political thuggery.

During preliminary investigations, police said the arrested suspects allegedly confessed to belonging to a political-thug faction. These allegations must be thoroughly investigated.

Nigeria cannot continue to treat political thuggery as a temporary election strategy and then act surprised when armed groups become a threat to the same communities they were once used to intimidate.

Anyone found to have participated in this attack must face justice, regardless of their position, connections or political affiliations.

The police must also recover the stolen rifle and ensure that every individual connected to the violence is properly investigated.

Arresting four suspects is a step in the right direction.

But the true test of this investigation will be whether the alleged gang leader and other fleeing suspects are apprehended, whether the full circumstances surrounding the attack are uncovered and whether everyone found responsible is held accountable.

The people of Ikire deserve more than assurances.

They deserve to live without fear of armed gangs and violent attacks.

Justice for the two civilians who lost their lives must not end with headlines about arrests. It must end with accountability.