The Oyo State police command on Tuesday confirmed the killing of one of its officers by suspected hoodlums during a stop and search operation in Ibadan.
A release by the Spokesperson of the command, Adewale Osifesso explained that the hoodlums attacked the Officers attached to Moniya area command and forcefully dragging a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot been discharged from the barrel during the process of the struggle.
The statement added that a Journalist with Silverbird Television was arrested during the incident while seven persons have been arrested alongside twelve Motorcycles impounded in connection with the incident.
The statement reads in part: “Preliminary Investigation reveals that, the Patrol team while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties extended their presence around major black spots, 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 Inspr Stanley Ikhine, flagged-down an Ash colored Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed worn-off number further arousing suspicion from the Officers on watch.
“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 as well aiding the escape of the SUV and its Occupants.
“Consequent on the above, the hoodlums attacked the Officers unprovoked and attempted forcefully dragging a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot been 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 disposessing him off his firearm”.
The statement stated that the body of the deceased have since been deposited at the State Morgue for Post-mortem.
