POLICE LINK OSUN SHOOTING TO HOODLUM ACTIVITY, CONFIRM VICTIM’S IDENTITY

Two civilians have been killed in Ikire, Osun State, after suspected hoodlums attacked a police patrol team along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway. The Osun State Police Command said the incident occurred on Monday when officers from the Ikire Division were responding to a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of a man identified only as Sunkanmi.

According to the command, the officers came under sudden attack from unidentified assailants suspected to be political thugs. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the police patrol vehicle and succeeded in snatching an AK-47 service rifle from the officers before using the weapon to shoot indiscriminately. Two civilians, identified as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale of Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire, were killed in the attack.

The police also disclosed that two of its officers sustained serious injuries during the incident. The attackers allegedly took away a patrol vehicle attached to the Ikire Division but later abandoned it. The vehicle was subsequently recovered with several bullet holes and a damaged windscreen, while nine spent ammunition shells were found at the scene and preserved for forensic analysis. The remains of the two victims were deposited at Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, and their families were informed.

The injured officers were initially taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further medical care. The newly deployed Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, visited the scene and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the attack. He also directed the deployment of tactical and intelligence personnel to identify, track and arrest those responsible.

The police said the incident occurred against the backdrop of an alleged attempt to take control of a motor park at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire. Sources cited by PUNCH alleged that drivers loyal to the All Progressives Congress had previously controlled the park before drivers said to be members of the Accord Party allegedly arrived and attempted to take over. The police condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or the command.