Accidental police shooting claims 2 lives in Ekiti

Accidental police shooting claims 2 lives in Ekiti

Confusion and sorrow enveloped Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, after two individuals were killed by stray bullets accidentally discharged by a police officer.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night in the Omisanjana area of Ado-Ekiti.

The officer responsible for the shooting has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The incident unfolded when police were attempting to apprehend a suspected internet fraudster.

According to reports, the suspect had caused an accident by hitting a motorcyclist and a passenger, leading to a confrontation with local youths.

An anonymous source told LEADERSHIP, “The fraudster had hit a bikeman and the passenger while being pursued by the policemen, causing the accident. The irate youths stopped them from arresting him. It was in that process that the gun was fired, and two people were killed.”

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Another witness added, “Trouble started when some youths accosted a ‘hit and run’ driver who knocked down a commercial motorcyclist and a passenger, breaking their legs and arms. The driver called the Rapid Response Squad. One of the officers opened fire and hit two people, who were later confirmed dead at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.”

The Ekiti State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, issued a statement regarding the incident. “On 28/05/2024 at about 22:30hrs, a serious motor vehicle/motorcycle accident occurred involving a Lexus car and a Jincheng motorcycle along Omisanjana Area of Ado-Ekiti. The Command deployed the State Traffic Section to the scene to ensure law and order and the safety of the victims.”

“Upon arrival, the operatives met resistance as irate youths prevented them from performing their lawful duty and insisted on jungle justice. This necessitated a call for reinforcement. However, in the process, one of the officers accidentally fired a shot that fatally injured two persons.”

The officer responsible for the accidental discharge has been disarmed, arrested, and detained pending disciplinary action. DSP Abutu also conveyed that the Command is in contact with the families of the deceased.

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, extended condolences to the families and assured them that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.

Accidental police shooting claims 2 lives in Ekiti

(Leadership)