Three people, including two passengers and a driver, have reportedly been killed, while several others sustained injuries following unrest in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The crisis reportedly started over an Unlawful forceful control of motor parks in the town from the current leadership.
After receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Irewole Police Division, Ikire, led his men to the scene. However, the hoodlums allegedly attacked the police team and seized a rifle from one of the officers.
The DPO reportedly called for reinforcement, but the hoodlums allegedly opened fire when additional officers arrived. The police responded in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which lives were lost.
The development is the second reported incident in Ikire involving the seizure of a security officer’s firearm by hoodlums. About five years ago, soldiers were similarly attacked and a rifle was seized. The incident also resulted in fatalities before the weapon was eventually recovered.
