Protest in Osun as JTF hunts ‘fraudster’ to death

A protest broke out on Tuesday evening among youths in Osogbo, capital of Osun, after operatives of the military joint task force (JTF) chased a suspected internet fraudster to his death.

NAN reports that the youths, armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons, attacked passers-by during the protest.

The protesters also dumped a corpse believed to be that of the deceased in front of the state government house in Oke Fia while destroying a motorcycle in the process.

A vehicle belonging to the JTF was also damaged around Alekuwodo area by the protesters while many traffic wardens met on duty were beaten up.

It was gathered that a vehicle belonging to the JTF had chased a Toyota Corolla with four occupants, believed to be internet fraudsters, along East bypass, Osogbo, resulting in an accident.

A witness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that while trying to escape from the JTF vehicle, the driver of the car, with registration number KUJ 553LY, veered off the road and hit an electric pole.

The witness added that one of the four occupants of the vehicle died instantly while the other three sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospital.

Yemisi Opalola, the state police PRO, who confirmed the incident, said it involved men of the JTF and not the police command.

Gboyega Oyetola, the state governor, had on April 28, inaugurated the JTF to tackle the menace of illegal mining, kidnapping and cult activities in the state.