IBADAN-IFE EXPRESSWAY — Two civilians were killed and two police officers were left in critical condition following a violent ambush by suspected political thugs on a police patrol team along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway in Osun State.
The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on August 24. Officers from the Ikire Division, led by their Divisional Police Officer, were responding to a distress call regarding the alleged abduction of a man named Sunkanmi when they were ambushed.
According to the Osun State Police Command, the attackers opened fire on the patrol team, seized an AK-47 rifle from an officer, and commandeered the police patrol vehicle. The assailants then allegedly used the stolen weapon to fire indiscriminately into the area, killing 49-year-old Nureni Sobowale of Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.
The two injured officers received initial emergency care before being transferred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for specialized treatment.
Police later recovered the abandoned patrol vehicle, which sustained significant damage, including multiple bullet holes and a shattered windscreen. Nine spent ammunition casings were also secured from the scene for forensic analysis.
Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, has launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying tactical and intelligence units to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen police property. The Command has condemned the attack and urged residents in the affected area to remain calm and vigilant while security operations continue.
This attack, which follows the August 15 governorship election, has heightened security concerns throughout parts of Osun State.
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