In a tense incident in Akure, Ondo State, residents fled for safety after Amotekun personnel and police officers clashed over the custody of a suspect connected to a stolen motorcycle. Eyewitnesses reported that the two security agencies exchanged gunfire, causing panic in the area.
The conflict began when a complainant reported a stolen motorcycle to the Amotekun office. Amotekun officers quickly recovered the vehicle and arrested the suspect. However, shortly after, police officers arrived at the scene and demanded custody of the suspect. Amotekun personnel refused and directed them to the state commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
A heated argument followed, escalating into a violent confrontation between the two agencies. Several officers were injured during the clash. The police attempted to take custody of the suspect and the stolen motorcycle by force.
The Ondo State Police Command issued a statement, accusing some officers of unprofessional conduct. According to the police, the initial report regarding the suspect’s arrest came from the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters. The police responded by sending officers to secure the suspect and evidence. However, Amotekun operatives arrived with a group of commercial motorcyclists and forcefully took control of the situation.
In the official statement, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka claimed that Amotekun personnel injured a police officer during the altercation. After further dialogue and intervention by both agencies, the suspect and the motorcycle were returned to the police. However, some Amotekun officers, unhappy with the situation, fired shots into the air, prompting police to use tear gas to control the crowd and prevent further violence.
The police assured the public that they remain committed to collaboration with other security agencies in the state, emphasizing the importance of following established procedures.
