Suspected hoodlums, on Tuesday, attacked and killed a policeman while on lawful duty along Ijaiye-Ibadan Road in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Also, seven persons have been arrested and 12 motorcycles impounded in connection with the incident.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the incident, said 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 Inspr. Stanley Ikhine flagged-down an Ash colored 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
“Few meters 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.
“Consequent on the above, the hoodlums attacked the Officers unprovoked and attempted forcefully dragging a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot been discharged from the barrel during the process of the struggle.
“Sadly, the gallant officer paid the supreme price, suffering a heavy blow to his skull inflicted by one of the hoodlums while preventing them from disposessing him off his firearm,” the PPRO said.
He added that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the a morgue for post-mortem.
Meanwhile, while reiterating he Command’s respect and cordiality for the members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the CP has ordered discreet investigation into circumstances that led to the arrest of Mr John Alabi, the Oyo State Correspondent of Silverbird Television, who was allegedly apprehended by operatives in the heat of the incident.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC SCID) has been assigned to take over the case for detailed investigations.
The Command, therefore, advised members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation.
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