Ikire shooting: DPO accused of killing civilians in Osun State

A violent confrontation at the Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Osun State, has resulted in at least two deaths and several hospitalizations. The incident occurred during a clash involving rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Witnesses and the victim’s wife have accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Irewole Division, John Olatona Bamidele, of opening fire on unarmed civilians. The victim’s wife alleged that a police patrol vehicle maneuvered aggressively around their SUV before a bullet struck her husband in the head. One of the deceased has been identified by the Accord Party as commercial bus driver Saheed Akinrole.

The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has condemned the shooting, describing it as “an absolute disgrace to the Nigeria Police Force.” The party’s State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, called for the immediate arrest, dismissal, and criminal prosecution of DPO Bamidele, alleging that the officer has previously failed to arrest perpetrators of violence in the area.