Police authorities in Ondo and Plateau states have arrested 15 suspects in connection with separate incidents involving attacks on security personnel and other public servants.
The arrests followed a violent mob attack on a police station in Ondo State and an alleged assault on Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in Plateau State.
Mob Attacks Police Station in Ondo
In Ondo State, 14 suspects were arrested after an angry mob allegedly attacked the Ala Divisional Police Headquarters in Akure North Local Government Area while attempting to seize two suspects linked to the murder of a farmer identified as Rasheed Hassan.
Hassan was reportedly found dead at General Camp within the Government Reserve Area, with preliminary investigations revealing deep cuts on his head and other parts of his body. His personal belongings were also said to be missing.
According to the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, police detectives launched an investigation into the killing after receiving a report about the incident.
The situation reportedly escalated after the Ala Youth President apprehended two suspects allegedly connected to the murder and attempted to hand them over to the police.
However, a mob allegedly confronted the youth leader, demanding that the suspects be handed over for extrajudicial killing. The youth leader reportedly sought refuge at the police station, but the crowd pursued them and attacked the facility with stones and other dangerous objects.
Police tactical and rescue teams were subsequently deployed to restore order and rescue the suspects.
During a patrol operation to convey the suspects to Akure, officers reportedly came under attack, leaving two policemen with gunshot injuries allegedly caused by pellets fired from a pump-action firearm.
The injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The police subsequently arrested 14 suspects over the attack on the station, officers and rescue team. Investigations are ongoing to determine the roles of those arrested and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, condemned the violence, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands or obstructing lawful police operations.
Man Arrested Over Alleged Assault on VIOs in Plateau
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Kabiru Kudi, over alleged criminal conspiracy, assault and obstruction of Vehicle Inspection Officers carrying out their official duties in Jos.
Related News:
Ondo Nightclub Owners Protest EFCC Raids, Say Businesses Are Under Threat
Farmer’s Killing: Angry Mob Attacks Ondo Police Station, Two Officers Injured, 14 Arrested
Berom Youths Foil Suspected Bandits’ Attack on Plateau Communities
The arrest followed a petition from the state Ministry of Transportation concerning an incident in which Kudi allegedly refused to stop for VIOs and attempted to evade them at high speed.
During the incident, the suspect reportedly hit one of the officers on the arm, resulting in a fracture.
He allegedly parked his vehicle in the middle of the road before engaging the officers in a physical confrontation.
The police further alleged that Kudi mobilised a group of hoodlums who attacked the officers and damaged their operational vehicle, preventing them from carrying out their duties.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said detectives commenced investigations following the complaint and, with assistance from community members, arrested the suspect in Shendam Local Government Area before handing him over for further investigation.
Alabo added that the Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, condemned attacks against law enforcement officers and public servants performing their lawful responsibilities.
The command urged residents to obey lawful instructions from security personnel and seek redress through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to violence.
It also warned against mob action, the mobilisation of hoodlums and the destruction of government property.
Kudi has reportedly been charged to court for prosecution.
Police Warn Against Mob Justice and Attacks on Public Servants
The two incidents have prompted renewed warnings from the police against violence, mob justice and obstruction of public officials.
Authorities reiterated that allegations of criminal conduct should be handled through established legal procedures rather than through extrajudicial punishment or attacks on security personnel.
The police said efforts were ongoing to maintain law and order and ensure that those responsible for the alleged offences face the appropriate legal process.
Asenexpress will continue to provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
About the Author
