IBADAN – The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has recovered the bodies of two passengers after a car plunged into the Ariyo River along the Amuloko area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a tragic accident that has renewed concerns over road safety in the region.

The victims were recovered from the river in the Ona Ara Local Government Area on Friday, May 29, 2026, following a complex rescue operation by officials of the agency. The vehicle involved was identified as a Toyota Avensis with no identifiable registration number, which was said to have lost control before veering off the road and plunging into the water.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, May 30, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Maroof Akinwande, disclosed that the agency received a distress call at exactly 21:40 hours (9:40 PM) on Friday and immediately deployed a rescue team to the scene. Firefighters led by ACFS Amoo arrived to find the vehicle completely submerged in the river and promptly commenced rescue operations.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that the vehicle had swerved off the road and submerged in the river. The rescue team immediately commenced operations by applying all necessary rescue procedures and successfully recovered two casualties from the vehicle,” Akinwande said.

He added that the bodies were subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Ogbere Divisional Police Headquarters for further action. “The victims were handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force led by ASP Adesuwa Sesan from Ogbere Target Police Station, Ibadan, for further necessary action,” he stated.

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According to Akinwande, preliminary post-incident investigations indicated that the cause of the accident was overspeeding and brake failure. The rescue operation was concluded at approximately 01:19 hours (1:19 AM) on Saturday, after which the crew returned to base and remained on operational standby.

The fire service chairman used the opportunity to urge members of the public to be more safety conscious, especially around festive periods. He also advised motorists to ensure all parts of their vehicles are functioning properly and cautioned against overspeeding to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Dr. Akinwande further encouraged the public to promptly report fire or rescue emergencies, provide accurate addresses, and contact the Fire Service through the following emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or 615 (toll-free).

The identities of the deceased had yet to be disclosed as of the time of reporting, while the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the police. This incident follows a similar tragedy in March 2026, when three bodies were recovered, and five persons were rescued after a commercial bus plunged into the same Ariyo River along Amuloko Road, highlighting persistent road safety challenges in the area.

Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road

Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against indiscriminately recording and circulating videos of police officers carrying out lawful duties, saying such actions could undermine security operations and affect officers’ morale.

Disu said while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and transparency, members of the public must ensure that recordings and social media engagements involving police personnel are done responsibly. He specifically cautioned against filming officers on duty for content creation purposes, describing the trend as concerning and potentially harmful to operational effectiveness.

The IGP also expressed concern about the circulation of old, misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, warning that such content fuels misinformation, creates panic, and undermines national security efforts. He stressed that the Force remains committed to accountability and transparency when it comes to policing, but these principles must be balanced with operational realities.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) held at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja over the weekend, Disu addressed the growing trend of civilians recording police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility and posting the footage on social media. “Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” the IGP stated.

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He cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive activities, including while they are eating, noting that such actions could negatively impact morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple security challenges nationwide. “Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he added.

Disu disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures. He revealed that the conventional shift structure has been replaced by round-the-clock duties. “We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances. Last year alone, the FCT Police Command lost about 140 officers through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents,” he revealed. The IGP noted that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work peacefully. “If you calculate the number of police officers who die annually across Nigeria while protecting citizens, you will understand the sacrifices they make to keep the country safe,” he said.

Disu reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity, assuring Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary measures in line with established laws and professional standards. “We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he said. The IGP further assured Nigerians of sustained engagement between the police and the media as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters. He described journalists as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity and urged continued collaboration in promoting responsible and accurate security reporting.

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Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime correspondents to supporting national security efforts through responsible journalism and factual reporting. “We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said. He called for improved collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in the area of timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation. He assured the police leadership that crime correspondents remain committed partners in promoting peace, security, and national development.

The IGP also expressed concern over the circulation of old and misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, stressing that such content contributes to misinformation, public panic, and unnecessary tension within communities. “We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said. The IG’s appeal comes amid frequent recordings of police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility by some civilians who then post the footage on social media. According to him, police personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.

As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force continues to balance its commitment to transparency with the need to protect officers from harassment and misinformation. The IGP has assured Nigerians that legitimate complaints against officers will continue to be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, while urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat crime and improve community safety.

Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerian

Three Man O’ War Members Arrested Over Killing of FUTO Student

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old undergraduate who was reportedly beaten to death by members of the university’s Man O’ War organisation over an accusation of stealing N13,500.

The deceased, Chinedu Christogonus (also identified as Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus), was a 100-level Cyber Security student at FUTO. He reportedly died on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after he was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault by members of the paramilitary campus security group. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on the campus, with angry students reportedly going on a rampage, burning buildings and destroying property within the university. In a viral video circulating on social media, students were seen in large numbers demanding justice for their slain colleague, systematically demolishing Man O’ War signposts and perimeter fixtures, and setting several structures on fire.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted by some Man O’ War members after he was accused of stealing N13,500. Okoye identified the suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all of whom are 500-level students of FUTO. According to the police, initial findings indicated that the deceased was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault, resulting in critical injuries. “He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the statement read.

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Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, immediately directed operatives to take swift action, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspects. Relevant evidence has been secured, while the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy. To ensure a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for comprehensive investigation. He further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served. “The Commissioner of Police assures the family of the deceased, the university community, and members of the public that the command is fully on top of the situation and remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death. He emphasizes that no individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable,” the police statement read.

According to multiple reports, the tragic incident began on Friday night, May 29, 2026, when Christogonus was arrested by members of the Man O’ War organisation over an accusation of theft. The FUTO Association of Campus Journalists described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the institution’s history. According to the union, Christogonus was serving as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the commander of the cadet organisation on the campus, noting that the incident stemmed from an internal dispute within the paramilitary group. “Accounts surrounding the origin of the dispute remain conflicting,” the union’s statement read. “While some sources allege that Chinedu was accused of stealing N13,500 belonging to the commander, Benedict, others maintain that the issue stemmed from an alleged debt of N13,000. Regardless of the differing accounts, multiple sources claim that Chinedu was subjected to hours of severe assault and punishment that reportedly lasted between five and six hours.” Witnesses alleged that the beating continued deep into the night, with the student enduring repeated physical abuse at the hands of fellow members of the organisation. Several students pleaded for his release, but their pleas were ignored until he allegedly died as a result of the torture.

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The news of his death sparked immediate outrage and a swift retaliatory onslaught from the student body. The confirmation of the freshman’s death turned the university campus into a battlefield as thousands of enraged students mobilised in solidarity. In one video clip, a thick crowd of students can be seen utilizing clubs and heavy stones to completely demolish the signpost and perimeter fixtures of the paramilitary organization. Another video reveals a much more dangerous escalation, showing desperate students setting several structures on fire. Plumes of thick, dark smoke can be seen billowing heavily over university buildings, forcing lecturers and administrators to flee the campus for safety. It was gathered that C.E. Orji, dean of student affairs, and Christopher Bukas, president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) , made efforts to engage the protesters. However, the students declined to back down, insisting that nothing short of the complete dissolution of the Man O’ War unit would satisfy their demand for justice.

“The boy was brutally beaten just because of an unverified accusation that he stole N13,000,” a distraught student leader told SaharaReporters. “Instead of handing him over to the university’s official security unit or the Nigeria Police for proper investigation, these Man O’ War elements locked him up and beat him like an animal until he died. This is pure murder, and we will not allow it to be swept under the rug.” Speaking to TheCable, Nduka Victory, the SUG public relations officer (PRO) , said the university had placed an indefinite ban on Man O’ War activities on the campus in a bid to calm the rising tension.

The tragic incident has renewed intense debates regarding the high-handed operations of quasi-security and volunteer paramilitary groups across Nigerian university campuses. Students have routinely complained that bodies like the Man O’ War, cadet units, and local campus vigilantes often operate outside the law, using torture, arbitrary detentions, and raw physical violence to extort and terrorize students under the guise of enforcing campus discipline. The destruction of the base at FUTO represents a total rejection of these parallel security structures by the student body.

The police command appealed to students and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course, reiterating the command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. As of the time of this report, the three suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. The corpse of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue pending autopsy.

Three Man O’ War Members Arrested Over Killing of FUTO Student