At least seven persons were yesterday arrested and 12 motorcycles seized following the death of policeman attached to Moniya Area Command, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The policeman was killed by a mob who wanted to snatch his service rifle while on active duty.
Accoridng to spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, the deceased cop suffered a blow to the skull while preventing the mob from disarming him and that led to his death.
He said his body had been deposited at the state morgue for autopsy.
Osifeso said: “Operatives attached to Moniya Area Command under the Oyo State Police Command while on lawful intelligence led stop and search around a Major Blackspot were attacked in the line of duty.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the patrol team while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties extended their presence around major blackspots, 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.
“In furtherance of the above, the team of operatives on patrol led by one Inspector Stanley Ikhine, flagged down an Ash Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed/ worn-out number further arousing suspicion from the officers.
“In the process, the vehicle initially slowed down in compliance with the directive before eventually picking up speed and dashing off to evade the officers on duty.
“This action led to a chase by the officers in a bid to establish further clarity of facts. A 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 also aiding the escape of the SUV and its occupants.
“Consequent on the above, the hoodlums attacked the officers unprovoked and attempted to forcefully drag a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot being 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 dispossessing him of his firearm.”
He urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation, saying updates concerning the incident would be provided accordingly.
