Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, were thrown into panic yesterday following a violent clash between Amotekun Corps operatives and the Nigeria Police Force over custody of a suspect accused of stealing a motorcycle.
What Happened:
- A complainant reported a stolen motorcycle to Amotekun, who swiftly recovered the bike and arrested the suspect.
- Police officers from the Ijoka Divisional Headquarters later arrived and demanded the suspect be handed over.
- Amotekun allegedly refused, directing them instead to their state commander.
- A heated argument ensued, escalating into a violent confrontation in which shots were reportedly fired, and several officers injured.
Conflicting Accounts:
- Eyewitnesses and reports claim that both agencies exchanged gunfire, causing widespread fear.
- The Ondo State Police Command, however, denied this, stating that:
- Police officers arrived first and were conducting lawful duties.
- Amotekun operatives, accompanied by commercial motorcyclists, stormed the scene and forcefully took the suspect, injuring a police officer.
- The situation was later resolved through dialogue, and the suspect and evidence were returned to the police.
- When some Amotekun operatives fired shots into the air, police responded by deploying tear gas, not gunfire.
Police Statement Highlights:
- The Commissioner of Police directed tactical units to recover the suspect.
- The police emphasized inter-agency cooperation, lawful conduct, and peacekeeping.
- No response yet from Amotekun Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
Public Reaction:
The incident underscores growing tensions between parallel security agencies, raising questions about jurisdiction, protocols, and inter-agency rivalry, all of which risk undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
