A young man was reportedly shot by police officers near Oyun Bridge in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday afternoon following an altercation between the officers and a group of young men believed to be students.
The incident reportedly occurred along the Oyun Bridge-Fate Roundabout axis, where residents have previously raised concerns about alleged harassment of young people by security operatives.
A resident who spoke about the incident said the confrontation began between police officers who regularly patrol the area and some young men believed to be students of Kwara State Polytechnic.
According to the resident, the officers allegedly attempted to extort the young men after accusing them of being involved in internet fraud, leading to a confrontation that eventually resulted in the shooting.
The resident said many young people in the area reportedly avoid the officers because of alleged harassment and extortion.
Inside Kwara state:
Kwara Monarch Dies Days After Rescue From Kidnapper
UNILORIN Lecturer Arrested in Illorin, Taken to Kogi
Kwara Kidnappers Demand Extra N5m After Family Pays Ransom For Traditional Chief’s Son
A video from the scene showed the injured man lying on the ground while an eyewitness was heard accusing the police officers of shooting him.
The footage also showed several officers surrounding the unconscious man before carrying him into a police van.
The officers were later seen driving away from the area, with witnesses indicating that the victim was being taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
However, it remained unclear whether the victim died from his injuries, as his identity and medical condition had not been independently confirmed at the time of the report.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting also remained unclear, as the allegations of extortion had not been independently established.
The Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ejire Toun, was contacted for a response regarding the incident but had not responded as of the time of filing the report.
About the Author
