…six injured as security agents exchange fire
A violent clash between policemen in Ondo and operatives of the Amotekun Corps, on Sunday, resulted in six persons sustaining injuries in Akure, the state capital.
It was gathered that the confrontation occurred over the custody of a suspect accused of stealing a motorcycle from a church near the Sunday Bus Stop, Ijoka.
Policemen and Amotekun operatives, according to witnesses, engaged in sporadic shooting, causing panic among residents.
The dispute allegedly arose following a disagreement over which of the two security agencies would detain the suspect. While Amotekun operatives initially took charge, the police later reinforced and forcibly took possession of both the suspect and the exhibits.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Alayande Olushola, confirmed that two officers from the command were the first to arrive at the crime scene before tensions escalated.
Olushola said, “It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.
“Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.
“Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.
“However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”
But some Amotekun officers, who were injured during the fracas, claimed that their walkie-talkies were seized from them.
According to them, many would have been killed if they had retaliated against the policemen.
