Youths in Omuaran, Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State, staged a two-day protest after the arrest of a young man by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) for alleged gun-running and illicit drug peddling.

The unrest, which occurred on Sunday and Monday, left two people seriously injured, The Guardian learnt. The state police command confirmed the arrest of five youths allegedly involved in the protest, while also stating that five suspects had been apprehended for alleged arms and drug-related offences.

Residents accused the police of routinely raiding the town and targeting young people under allegations of internet fraud. “The Anti-Kidnapping Squad often harasses young people in the town, accusing them of being internet fraudsters and demanding large sums of money for their release,” a resident alleged.

An eyewitness, Isiaka Oniyide, said the crisis began on Sunday when policemen attempted to arrest youths at the opening ceremony of a phone shop. “The confrontation turned violent when the youths resisted arrest, prompting police to shoot. In the chaos, two motorcycle riders attempting to flee were involved in an accident,” he said.

Angered by the incident, youths marched to the palace of the town’s monarch early Monday to demand justice but were denied an audience. This led to protests during which tyres were burnt, and public property was vandalised.

Confirming the situation, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, issued a statement detailing the events. “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the public of a series of coordinated security breaches which occurred between Sunday and Monday in Omuaran, Ifelodun Local Council of the state,” she said.

She disclosed that the unrest began after the arrest of one Azeez, also known as A-Z, described as a notorious drug dealer and suspected arms trafficker. “At about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, operatives of the AKS, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Azeez. However, a mob intercepted the operatives and aided the suspect’s escape. The officers tactically disengaged and returned to base for a threat re-evaluation.”

The PPRO further stated that the mob regrouped and attempted to breach the police station’s perimeter but were repelled.

They later moved to the Olomu’s Palace, where they set ablaze a motorcycle belonging to the monarch’s police orderly.

“In another incident at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, a faction of the group attacked the Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank. Armed with stones and other dangerous weapons, they vandalised the bank’s CCTV cameras, signboard, and three vehicles,” she added. The PPRO confirmed the arrest of five suspects linked to the attack on the bank.