Operatives of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Oyo State Command have arrested seven people who allegedly attacked and killed a policeman on lawful duty on Ijaiye-Ibadan Road in Akinyele local government area of the state.
The police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the incident, said 12 motorcycles were also impounded in connection with the incident.
According to him, the operatives under the command, while on lawful intelligence led stop-and-search around a major black spot were attacked in the line of duty.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the patrol team, while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties, extended their presence around major black spots, highways and major roads under Akinyele local government area axis in a bid to deter criminal elements from settling and establishing dominance within the location.
According to him, “The team of operatives on patrol led by one Inspector Stanley Ikhine, flagged-down an Ash coloured Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed worn-off number further arousing suspicion from the officers on watch.
“In the process, Osifeso said the vehicle initially slowed down in compliance with the directive before eventually picking up speed and dashing off to evade the officers on duty, adding that this action led to a chase by the officers in a bid to establish further clarity of facts.
“ A few metres away from the initial stoppage point, the Lexus Jeep veered off the road to a nearby garage, driving directly into the waiting hands of hoodlums who were also collaborators in the criminal process, thereby not only obstructing the officers from discharging their duties but as well aiding the escape of the SUV and its Occupants.