By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
A law enforcement officer in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has tragically taken the lives of two young men. The incident occurred around 8 pm on Tuesday in the Omisanjana area of the city, where an unidentified officer allegedly discharged his firearm to disperse a group of angry young individuals at the site of an incident.According to a source, members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) inadvertently fired shots while attempting to scatter a group of youths who had confronted a hit-and-run driver, intending to inflict harm on him.
Reportedly, the driver had fled the scene after colliding with a commercial motorcyclist and a passenger, resulting in severe injuries to their limbs.
The source further disclosed that the driver contacted the RRS officers for assistance, and upon their arrival at the scene, one of the officers discharged his weapon, striking the two individuals.Upon reaching the location, the enraged youths attempted to confront the RRS personnel, leading to a scuffle during which one of the officers discharged his firearm, causing fatal injuries to the two men.
Tragically, the individuals injured during the accident were transported to the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, but despite the hospital’s efforts, the victims ultimately succumbed to their injuries and passed away.In response, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ekiti State Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, issued a statement yesterday, indicating that the Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.Abutu stated, “A grave motor vehicle/motorcycle collision occurred involving a Lexus car and a Jincheng motorcycle in the Omisanjana area of Ado-Ekiti.
Upon receiving the report, the command dispatched the state traffic section to the scene to prevent any disruption of peace and ensure the safety of those involved.”Upon arrival, the officers encountered resistance from some agitated youths who obstructed them from carrying out their lawful duties and insisted on administering vigilante justice. This prompted a request for backup to support the officers present.
Regrettably, during this process, one of the officers inadvertently discharged a round, resulting in the fatal injury of two individuals.”The officer responsible for the shooting has been disarmed, apprehended, and detained pending disciplinary measures. The command is in contact with the families of the deceased, and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, offers his condolences and assures them that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.”
