A Divisional Crime Office (DCO) attached to Ogun Police Command, DSP Augustine Ogbeche and a civilian have been killed in a violent clash between the police and #EndSARS protesters in Atan – Ota in Ado – Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
A Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), SP Sikiru Olugbenga equally sustained injuries, while his whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of filing this report.
- Customs officer killed, van bunt as hoodlums attack customs office in Ogun
- Commuters stranded, major roads shut, as #EndSARS protest spreads in Ogun
Two police stations – Oba/Oko, near Abeokuta and Atan – Ota, were vandalized, during different attacks in the state.
Daily Trust gathered that daring protesters had early on Wednesday, stormed Atan-ota police station and set it ablaze.
This, it was learnt, resulted in a clash between the police and the protesters, leading to the death of the DCO and a protester.
The Spokesman of the Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the development in Abeokuta, saying some arms were carted away during the attacks.
He expressed regret that “the hitherto peaceful protest embarked upon by youths across Ogun State is, unfortunately, taking a dangerous violent dimension as some people with ulterior motives are now using the opportunity to commit all sorts of heinous crimes.”
Oyeyemi quoted the Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun to have appealed to the youths to stop the carnage and allow the government to address the situation.
He said “In view of this, the Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command is appealing to the youths to eschew violence and embrace peace as violence will do no one good.
“He is equally appealing to traditional institutions, parents and other critical stakeholders to prevail on the youths to stop this carnage and give the government a chance to address the situation.
“The youths are reminded that since the commencement of the protests the police have been nice and civil to them even when some of our men were injured and our stations damaged.. We even went ahead and released all the 36 suspects we arrested.
“However if in the course of handling the protests anybody feels offended we plead understanding and not retaliatory measures including killing and maiming policemen and burning and damaging police stations.
“We will ensure that justice is served any aggrieved person. Please and please let us continue to embrace peace rather than violence. The Command sincerely appeal to the youths. Parents and guardians are also enjoined to help rein in their children and wards.”