Amotekun, police stop mob attack in Ibadan

The Oyo state police command says hoodlums went on the rampage in some areas of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, in the early hours of Friday, looting shops and houses.

A statement from the command, which was signed by its public relations officer, Olugbenga Fadeyi, said police patrol teams were deployed to maintain peace in the areas affected, with reinforcement from the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

The police said weapons were recovered from the hoodlums.

The statement said: “Hoodlums from Odo-Osun/Ita Baale/Aderogba came out at the early hours of 29/01/2021 in their usual manner with dangerous weapons to loot shops and set up bon fire.

“A house and about two shops were looted. The swift response of police patrol teams doused tension and the hoodlums were dislodged. Routine patrols were intensified to forestall further attacks and lootings.

“Sequel to this, at about 2015 hrs, hoodlums from Aderogba area came out again attempted to vandalise and loot shops at Beyeruka/Ogbori Efon areas.

“Police patrol teams and that of Amotekun were drafted to the area. During hot chase by the teams, a cut-to-size dane gun was recovered from one of the hoodlums while bon fires set up were put out.

“The hoodlums thereafter fled the scene. Constant routine patrols has been intensified in those areas and normally restored. The Police are on the trail of these hoodlums to get them arrested and carry out prosecution accordingly, please.”