Quick Summary:
Ondo State Police arrest two suspects, Shina Jacob and Felix Olalekan, for allegedly stabbing a police inspector to death during an altercation in Akure.
Police Officer Killed in Akure
Two persons suspected to be hoodlums have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death in Akure, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Shina Jacob (25) and Felix Olalekan (32), reportedly attacked the police inspector during an altercation at Oke-Arata, within the Arakale axis of the city.
The incident occurred just days after a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer was also stabbed to death by a mentally unstable man in the Oba-Ile area of Akure.
Panic in the Area
According to eyewitnesses, the inspector, who had recently been transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was attacked during a confrontation.
Following the stabbing, residents and traders fled the area, throwing the community into panic.
Police Confirm Arrests
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the officer was rushed to the hospital but died while receiving treatment.
“An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response,” Ayanlade stated.
He added that the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, leading to the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident.
“The injured officer was rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment,” he said.
Ayanlade noted that the follow-up operation formed part of the command’s strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety.
Police Warn Against Attacks on Officers
The command warned that it would not tolerate assaults or attacks on police personnel, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force would also deal decisively with any officer found violating citizens’ rights.
“The arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ayanlade added.
He also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information that could cause panic or divert security resources.
Related Development in Delta State
In a separate development, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, has demanded the withdrawal of a police statement linking him to the killing of three youths in the Okwe community near Asaba, Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command had earlier announced a manhunt for Nkeweshe and others alleged to have led an armed group that attacked the community on November 24, resulting in the deaths of the youths.
However, Nkeweshe, through his lawyer Kelechi Nnadi, denied any involvement, describing the police statement as false and damaging.
Nnadi stated that his client was not in Okwe or Asaba on the day of the incident, explaining that he had traveled to Umunede for medical attention and remained there throughout the day.