Tension erupted in Ifonyintedo, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, after youths reportedly set two police stations ablaze following the alleged killing of a father of a newborn, Owolabi Oniyiku, at a police checkpoint in the community.
Oniyiku, a Lagos-based resident, had reportedly returned to the community with friends to celebrate the Oro festival when he was allegedly shot by police officers at a makeshift checkpoint around Akinde Junction.
A community leader who spoke on the incident alleged that the checkpoint had become notorious for the harassment of motorists and commercial motorcyclists.
According to the source, police officers had earlier arrested about 15 commercial motorcyclists during an operation in the area.
The source alleged that Oniyiku was confronted by the officers while returning from taking some friends to Ilashe, leading to an argument during which he was reportedly shot.
“He was not armed; he had nothing on him, and he was killed on the spot,” the source alleged.
The incident has generated further outrage because Oniyiku’s wife reportedly gave birth to their baby just two days before his death.
Following the alleged shooting, youths reportedly took Oniyiku’s remains to a police station, after which the situation escalated. Two police facilities were subsequently set ablaze, including a newly completed community police station and an older station serving the area.
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The Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Oniyiku’s death.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Adeyemi Olusegun, the group alleged that the incident occurred at an unauthorised checkpoint and called for the identification and investigation of all officers deployed there.
The forum also demanded the disbandment of the alleged illegal checkpoint and other unauthorised checkpoints along Ifonyintedo Road, as well as disciplinary or criminal action against any officer found culpable.
The group further called on the police authorities to engage with Oniyiku’s family, offer condolences and ensure that the case does not remain unresolved.
While urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding, the youth forum called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure an impartial investigation.
A senior security officer in the area confirmed that the incident occurred but declined to provide further details.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to him had not been answered at the time of filing the report.
Authorities are expected to investigate the alleged killing, determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and establish responsibility for the destruction of the police facilities.
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