Two civilians have been killed while two police officers sustained serious injuries following an attack on a police patrol team along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway in Osun State.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, when unidentified assailants attacked officers attached to the Ikire Division of the Osun State Police Command.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the officers, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikire Division, were responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of a man identified only as Sunkanmi.
The police said the patrol team came under sudden attack when they arrived at the location.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the officers inside their operational vehicle and succeeded in taking away one AK-47 service rifle.
The attackers allegedly used the stolen rifle to shoot indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of two civilians identified as 49-year-old Nurenà 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.
The police patrol vehicle attached to the Ikire Division was reportedly taken away by the attackers but was later abandoned and recovered with several bullet holes and a damaged windscreen.
Nine expended ammunition shells were recovered at the scene and secured for forensic examination, according to the police
The remains of the two victims have been deposited at Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, while their families have been informed.
The injured officers were initially taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further medical attention.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Zungura, Psc(+), MNIPS, reportedly visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
He subsequently directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Commissioner also ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence personnel to the area to identify, track and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The Police Command condemned the attack and the loss of innocent lives, urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
The Command also appealed to members of the public with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the Police Public Relations Office.
Oyetola Condemns Violence
Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor of Osun State, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the recent violence and loss of lives reported across parts of the state.
Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, described the attacks as a serious threat to the peace and democratic values of Osun State.
The former governor said no political ambition or commercial interest should be allowed to justify the killing of human beings.
According to him, politics should serve as an avenue for development rather than become a source of violence and bloodshed.
Oyetola expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and called on security agencies to take decisive steps to restore peace and protect residents.
He urged the police and other security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to areas considered volatile, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums and ensure that anyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence is arrested and prosecuted.
The Minister also appealed to residents to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of further escalating tensions.
He stressed that the progress and prosperity of Osun State should not be sacrificed for political or commercial interests.
Oyetola reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of the state, urging residents to work together to preserve Osun’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.
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