There is palpable fear among residents of Akure the Ondo State capital following a clash between operatives of the state Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun and the Police.
THISDAY gathered on Sunday that the face-off was as a result of who to take custody of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop, in Ijoka road.
The development led to sporadic gunshots, leading to panic among residents who are scampering for safety.
The battle ground was thereafter shifted to ShopRite roundabout, very close to the Amotekun headquarters around 2pm where the road was barricaded and cordoned off by the security agencies.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olusola Olayinka clarified that police officers were the first to arrive at the scene, accusing Amotekun operatives of forcefully taking custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.
“At about 0800hrs, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop. Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers along with the incident duty officer to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime.
“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.”
The PPRO said, 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.”
Olayinka reaffirmed the commitment of the police to collaborate with other security outfits in the state but stresses the need for all personnel to operate within the bounds of the law and established protocols.
The Command assured members of the public that it remains dedicated to the maintenance of peace, public safety, and the rule of law across the state.