A violent altercation between operatives of the Ondo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps on Sunday left at least six individuals injured in Akure, the state capital. The incident occurred near the Sunday Bus Stop in the Ijoka area and was reportedly sparked by a disagreement over custody of a theft suspect.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated quickly, with both security outfits engaging in sporadic gunfire, sending residents in the vicinity into panic.
The suspect, accused of stealing property from a nearby church, was initially apprehended by Amotekun personnel. However, the police later arrived in greater numbers and forcibly took over custody of both the suspect and the recovered items, commonly referred to as exhibits.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alayande Olushola, confirmed the incident and clarified that police officers were first to arrive at the crime scene. He alleged that Amotekun operatives stormed the location with a large group of commercial motorcyclists and forcefully took the suspect and exhibits, during which a police officer sustained injuries.
In response, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, ordered tactical units to retrieve the suspect and exhibits. Following a dialogue between the leadership of both security agencies, the suspect and items were returned to the police in what officials described as a show of inter-agency cooperation.
However, tensions flared once more when some Amotekun officers, reportedly unhappy with the decision, fired shots into the air. Police officers on ground deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further violence. Authorities emphasized that there was no direct exchange of gunfire between both agencies.
Amotekun personnel who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed their communication devices were seized during the altercation. They added that the situation could have been deadlier had they chosen to retaliate.
The incident has once again raised concerns about inter-agency rivalry and the need for clearer operational protocols between security units in the state.
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