Two civilians killed, two policemen injured as suspected political thugs allegedly attack patrol team and seize service rifle in Ikire.
The Osun State Police Command has blamed suspected hoodlums who allegedly snatched an AK-47 service rifle from its personnel for the killing of two civilians in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
The command said two police officers were also seriously injured during the attack, while a patrol vehicle attached to the Ikire Division was forcefully taken by the assailants.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command identified the deceased as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale of Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 11am on Monday when officers responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of a man identified as Sunkanmi came under attack along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the patrol team, snatched an AK-47 rifle and used the stolen weapon to shoot indiscriminately, killing the two civilians.
The patrol vehicle was later recovered with multiple bullet holes and a damaged windscreen, while nine spent ammunition shells were recovered at the scene for forensic analysis.
The injured officers were initially treated at a nearby hospital before being referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further medical care. The remains of the two victims were deposited at Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, while their families were notified.
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, visited the scene and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
He also ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to identify, track and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The incident has sparked conflicting political accusations, with the Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress alleging that suspected Accord supporters attempted to take over a motor park, while the Accord Party accused the police Divisional Police Officer of orchestrating the violence.
Meanwhile, former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, condemned the violence and urged security agencies to decisively restore order and protect residents.
Oyetola said no political ambition or commercial interest justified the loss of human lives, urging political and community stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue.
The police appealed to residents with credible information about the attackers to contact the nearest police station, assuring the public that measures were being taken to restore security in Ikire and other parts of the state.