Hoodlums, not police killed 21-year-old Poly Ibadan student – Oyo Police

Hoodlums, not police killed 21-year-old Poly Ibadan student – Oyo Police   

The Oyo State Police Command has said hoodlums were responsible for the death of a 21-year old student of the Polytechnic Ibadan.

Police claimed that the deceased was killed by the hoodlums and not policemen, contrary to speculations.

Yesterday,it was reported that one person, Akinola Babatunde, was killed during a clash at a popular shopping Mall in Ibadan on Sunday.

Our correspondent gathered that the mall has since been shut down following the incident at the Ring Road area of Ibadan.

The Police noted that its officers were drafted to the scene of the incident after the deceased was killed by the suspected cultists.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr Adewale Osifeso in a statement made available on Tuesday, added that the deceased was confirmed dead at the hospital.

He maintained that perpetrators had escaped before the arrival of the policemen.

He insisted that the shooting were carried out by the hoodlums and not the police.

Osifeso spoke further by saying that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

“To set the record straight, on the strength of a distress call received at about 2100hrs on Sunday, 25th of July, 2021 from Palms Mall, Ring Road Ibadan that some suspected cultists/hoodlums invaded the building premises in pursuit of their target who was shot and later confirmed dead at the hospital.

“In a swift response, several Police patrol teams were immediately drafted to the scene but the perpetrators had escaped before arrival.

“Preliminary investigation reveals through; CCTV footages, crime scene analysis, residents and customers scampering for safety at the time, that the shootings were carried out by hoodlums and not the Police in what seemed reprisal for a cult-related fracas.

“While comprehensive investigation is ongoing, the Command wishes to refute these unfounded tales, aimed at promoting panic, apprehension, and instigating violence against the Police.

“Finally, the Command wishes to assure the good people of Oyo State that the security architecture of the State remains resolute and fortified daily with intelligence-driven upgrades.”