Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was thrown into chaos on Saturday as protesters took to the streets to condemn the killing of a betting agent, Abiodun Anuoluwapo, by a trigger-happy police officer.
The incident occurred late Friday night in the Imala/Elega area, where Anuoluwapo operated a Bet9ja shop in front of the First Point hotel. Eyewitnesses reported that the officers, who appeared to be drunk, emerged from the hotel and fatally shot Anuoluwapo as he was closing his shop.
According to eyewitness accounts, the officers were either on a raid or chasing a suspect when one of them accidentally killed Anuoluwapo, popularly known as Pepe. The officers immediately fled into the hotel, called for backup, and later escaped the scene about three hours later, shooting sporadically to pave their way.
“The guy owned a shop opposite first point hotel. The police were chasing someone or on raid and there was accidental discharge, the stray bullet hit the guy and the guy died immediately
“The youth in the area tried to hold down the policemen and they ran into first point. They had to reinforce to get more police to come to rescue them before they were able to run away later around past 11pm. The incident happened around 8pm.
“As they were trying to disperse the protesting youths, they kept shooting a lot of guns. In fact, fear gripped everybody. More youths were also hit by guns but they survived it. One of the survivors name is Hassan, he also has a shop nearby,” an eye witness said.
When journalists visited the scene of the shooting, they found a trail of blood leading from the entrance of the betting shop to the roadside, clearly indicating that the victim was struck by the bullet at the entrance of his shop.
Witnesses alleged that the fatal shot was fired by either the officer in charge of the Fadage police post or the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Adatan.
Additionally, youths in the area claimed that police officers regularly visit the hotel and the area to drink alcohol.
In response to the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the State Commissioner of Police has initiated an investigation and is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough probe.
“We have gotten the information that one Aanu was a victim, it is not easy to say exactly what happened but the CP is in touch with the stakeholders. He has called everybody involved so that we can start investigating what happened. We are aware, we have been informed, but we are still deliberating on the matter,” she said.
Meanwhile, the senseless killing has sparked outrage and protests in the community, with demands for justice and accountability. The victim, a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, was described as a harmless and friendly individual, leaving behind a grieving family and community.
The incident has raised concerns about police brutality and the need for reform in the Nigerian police force. The protesters are calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of the offending officer.
