Two civilians have been killed and two police officers seriously injured after suspected political thugs attacked a police patrol team along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway in Osun State.

The attack occurred around 11 a.m. on August 24, when officers attached to the Ikire Division, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer, responded to a distress call concerning the alleged abduction of a man identified as Sunkanmi.

According to the Osun State Police Command, the officers were ambushed shortly after arriving at the scene. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the patrol team, seized an AK-47 rifle from one of the officers and took away the police patrol vehicle.

The assailants allegedly used the stolen rifle to fire indiscriminately, killing two civilians identified as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale of Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.

The two injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital before being referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further treatment.

The abandoned patrol vehicle was later recovered by the police with several bullet holes and a shattered windscreen. Nine spent ammunition shells were also recovered from the scene for forensic examination.

The newly deployed Osun Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed tactical and intelligence teams to track down the attackers and recover the stolen police weapon and other property.

The Command condemned the attack and appealed to residents along the affected axis to remain calm and vigilant as security operatives intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.

The incident comes in the aftermath of the August 15 governorship election, adding to growing security concerns in parts of Osun State.