Hoodlums shoot 2 policemen over Osun obaship crisis

The Osun State Police Command says two of its officers were shot on Wednesday by suspected hoodlums protesting over the appointment of new Akirun of Ikirun by the state government.

The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, said the police did not shoot any civilian, noting that the suspected hoodlums shot two police officers.

Opalola said aside the police officers that were shot, the hoodlums also attacked two firefighters.

“The Commissioner of Police, Faleye Olaleye, is miffed about the Kingship crises that erupted in Ikirun Town today (Wednesday) despite series of peace meetings held with the relevant stakeholders/parties over the kingship tussle, since the announcement of the installation of the new Akinrun by the state government.

“It would be recalled that yesterday (Tuesday), the Commissioner of Police held another round of peace meeting with the contending parties on the need to allow peace to reign in Ikirun and the state in general.

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“All the parties consented to maintain peace but the Commissioner of Police is surprised to learn about the attack on security personnel, fire brigade personnel, and the burning of the Akirun of Ikirun palace by armed hoodlums.

“The hoodlums shot two police officers and injured two fire service personnel,” the police spokesperson stated.

She noted that some armed hoodlums shot at the policemen who were deployed to the Akinrun’s palace to protect those renovating it.

Opalola said one Inspector Obajobi Adedokun and Inspector Raji Abiodun were injured, adding that the officers were rushed to hospital for treatment.

She stated that the hoodlums also set the Akinrun’s palace ablaze and attacked the truck of the firefighters going to put out the fire.

“The commissioner, therefore, charged parents and guardians to warn their wards to stop this uncivilised act of violence and toe the path of peace.

“He sternly warned that anyone found culpable in this unwarranted violence/attack will face the full wrath of the law,” the police spokesperson said.

The Star