Stray bullets kill two in Ekiti, police commence probe

There was pandemonium yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, following the killing of two young men by stray bullets allegedly fired by a yet-to-be-identified police officer.

It was gathered that the officer allegedly fired the shots to disperse some irate youths.

An eyewitness said the incident occurred at the Omisanjana area of the state capital at about 11:00 p.m.

According to the witness, some men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had been dispersing some youths who accosted a hit and run driver that knocked down a commercial motorcyclist and a passenger.

Another account said the driver put a call to men of the Rapid Response Squad. On arrival at the scene, one of them opened fire and hit two persons in the process.

“The irate youths made an attempt to confront the RRS officers and were mobbing the police. Then one of the officers fired a bullet that fatally injured two boys. The victims were rushed to the Ekiti State Tertiary Hospital. Unfortunately, they died in the hospital. Their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.”

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, in a statement, said a discreet investigation has commenced. The command, upon the receipt of the information, deployed the State Traffic Section to the scene to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order and ensure the safety of the victims.

“On getting to the scene, the operatives met resistance as some irate youths stopped them from performing their lawful duty and insisted on carrying out jungle justice. This necessitated a call for reinforcement to assist the officers on ground.

“In the process, one of the officers accidentally fired a shot that fatally injured two persons. The officer responsible for the shooting has been disarmed, arrested and detained, and shall be made to face disciplinary action immediately.

“The command is already in touch with the two families of the deceased. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, also condoles with the families and assures them that discreet investigation has commenced and justice shall prevail.”