Tension as youth clash with policemen over death of Osun resident

Some aggrieved youth attempted to burn down the Oja-Oba divisional police station in Osogbo, capital of Osun state, on Sunday.

This followed the death of a young man identified as Segun Emir. The suspects claimed that a policeman shot Emir in the chest after an argument.

A witness said the deceased was rushed to a private hospital in the Gbeje area of the town but was rejected. He was later taken to Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) where he was confirmed dead.

His death triggered a riot as angry protesters prevented vehicular movement for hours. They also destroyed some vehicles belonging to policemen.

Folasade Odoro, police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, said Fimihan Adeoye, commissioner of police in the state, has ordered a full scale investigation into the matter.

The PPRO said the deceased was among those who attacked the police patrol team and prevented policemen from rescuing some people who made a distress call to the police.

“We received a distress call that over 50 thugs were harassing innocent people at Aloyunkewu, Imole n fe Alaafia street, Lion junction, Ori Eeru, Oke Allahu all at Oke Baale area in Osogbo and that peoples’ lives were in danger,” she told reporters

“Policemen were deployed to the scene swiftly to rescue people and when the police patrol team got there, the thugs attacked the policemen with dangerous weapons. The commissioner of police in the state; Mr Fimihan Adeoye has ordered a full scale investigation into the matter.”

Security agents have taken over the area in order to prevent further breakdown of law and order.