The Ogun State Police Command has acknowledged that its officers shot some Hausa traders while pursuing “yahoo boys” in the Olomore area of Abeokuta. Previously, it was reported that the shooting resulted in tension in the community, leading to other traders from the Northern region barricading the major highway and setting tires on fire.
In response to the incident, Ogun State Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the occurrence and disclosed that the injured traders are alive and undergoing treatment at the General Hospital in Ijaye. Additionally, Oyeyemi stated that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Kenneth Ebrimson, has instructed a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
In an official statement, the Police Command clarified, “In view of the crisis that erupted yesterday 20th February 2020, following the shooting of two persons at Olomoore market Abeokuta by men of Anti-cultism team of Ogun State police command. The command hereby wishes to dispel rumor circulating on social media that the two victims have died.”
The statement further asserted, “To set the record straight, the two victims of the gun shot are alive and responding to treatment at the state general hospital Ijaiye Abeokuta where they were rushed to by the officers of the Command.” It also emphasized the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the case with the aim of identifying those responsible and taking appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, the Command appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information which could incite chaos and unnecessary violence.