A 31-year-old man, identified as Gafar Ajibola, has reportedly jumped into a river in Oniyanrin town in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and drowned, as he tried to escape from policemen during a raid.
The victim was washing his clothes at the back of the river, when he heard gunshots from policemen, who were allegedly raiding the community.
It was reported that he jumped into the river out of fear.
The police had entered Oniyanrin community close to Agbeloba in Abeokuta, in the early hours of Saturday, to clear some criminal hideouts.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident, noted that the policemen were carrying out their constitutional duties, chasing hoodlums in the area and not the deceased.
He added, however, that investigation is ongoing to unravel the culpability or otherwise of the policemen in question, adding that they were just on routine operational duty of providing residents with adequate security.
According to him, “The information I got is to the effect that policemen had gone to raid criminals’ hideouts. There are places around that area known for harbouring criminals. So police usually go there to raid.
“Some people were arrested and after investigation, they were released. It is surprising that somebody jumped into the river when the police were performing their duties in the area.
“The case is under investigation, but police were in that place to ensure safety of lives and properties. The Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered an investigation into the matter.
“I am assuring you, if police officers are found culpable, the law will take its course. Police are there basically to carry out their duties.”
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