Five people, including commercial bus drivers and passersby, were killed in a violent shooting at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Osun State, in an incident allegedly involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Mr. Bamidele Olatona.
Initial reports indicate the violence broke out when the DPO arrived at the transit hub to clear the roadway and facilitate access for armed political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by a local figure known as Ojuyobo, to take over the motor park. The situation rapidly escalated into bloodshed, claiming the lives of bus driver Saheed Akinrole and four others before security forces could restore order.
Following the fatal shooting, a community organization calling itself the Ikire Concerned Youths (ICY) issued a statement expressing outrage over the loss of life and accusing the police chief of unprovoked, sporadic firing into the public crowd. The group alleged that DPO Olatona has a history of partisan conduct and protecting political thugs, asserting that his actions at the garage represent a critical threat to public safety in the local government area.
The youth group issued a formal ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, and the Police Service Commission, demanding DPO Olatona’s immediate arrest, summary dismissal, psychological evaluation, and prosecution for murder. They warned that failure by law enforcement authorities to act swiftly against the officer would result in widespread, lawful resistance from the youth population across Ikire.
BREAKING NEWS: Ikire Youths Demand Arrest and Prosecution of Police Chief Following Fatal Garage Shooting
