Two civilians were killed and two police officers seriously injured when suspected political thugs attacked a police patrol team along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway in Osun State on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The incident occurred at about 11a.m. when the patrol team attached to the Ikire Division, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer, responded to a distress call over the alleged abduction of a man identified as Sunkanmi.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the officers came under sudden attack from unidentified hoodlums who opened fire on them while they were inside their operational vehicle.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly snatched an AK-47 service rifle from the police team.
The attackers allegedly used the stolen rifle to fire indiscriminately, killing two civilians in the process.
The victims were identified as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale of Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole of Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.
Two police officers also sustained serious injuries during the attack and were initially taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before referral to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further medical care.
The assailants also reportedly seized the police patrol vehicle attached to the Ikire Division. The vehicle was, however, later abandoned and recovered by the police with multiple bullet holes and a shattered windscreen.
Nine expended ammunition shells recovered from the scene have been secured for forensic examination.
The remains of the two civilians have been deposited at the Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, while their families have been informed of the tragedy.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, Ibrahim Zungura, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
The Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
He also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence personnel to the area to identify, track and apprehend those responsible.
The Police Command condemned the attack, describing it as an unprovoked assault on police personnel and a senseless loss of innocent lives.
It urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while appealing to anyone with credible information that could aid the investigation to contact the nearest police station or the Command on 09060052947 or via pproosun@npf.gov.ng.
The Command assured residents that necessary measures were being taken to restore and sustain security along the affected axis and across the state.
It added that the outcome of the investigation would be made public in due course.
