The Osun State Police Command has identified two civilians killed during a violent shooting in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, on Monday.
The victims were identified as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale, from the Odeda area of Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole, of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.
Police blame suspected hoodlums
According to the police, the violence began when officers attached to the Ikire Division responded to a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of a man identified as Sunkanmi.
The command said the patrol team, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer, came under sudden attack from unidentified hoodlums along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
Police said the attackers opened fire on the officers, successfully seized an AK-47 service rifle and used the weapon to shoot indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of the two civilians.
Two police officers were also seriously injured during the incident.
Police vehicle recovered
The assailants reportedly took away a police patrol vehicle during the attack but later abandoned it.
The vehicle was recovered with multiple bullet holes and a damaged windscreen. Police said nine spent ammunition shells were recovered at the scene and secured for forensic examination.
The bodies of the two victims have been deposited at Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, while their families have been notified.
The injured officers were initially taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for further medical treatment.
Commissioner orders investigation
The newly deployed Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
He subsequently ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to lead the probe.
Tactical and intelligence personnel have also been deployed to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
Conflicting accounts over the violence
The police account comes amid differing reports about what triggered the violence.
Local reports linked the incident to an alleged struggle for control of the Naira and Kobo motor park in Ikire, with rival political and transport groups reportedly involved. Some community and civil society groups have also raised allegations concerning the conduct of security personnel. These claims have not been independently established.
The police, however, maintain that their officers were responding to a distress call and were attacked by suspected hoodlums.
The command has appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant and urged anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to contact the police.
OnPointGist will continue to monitor the investigation and provide verified updates as more information emerges.
