By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Umar Yahúza, following a lone accident that occurred in Iseyin in the early hours of Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident happened at about 5:30 am at a Border Patrol checkpoint located at Niko along the Iseyin/Oyo Road.
The victim, a resident of the Oluwole, Old Kara area of Iseyin, was reportedly rescued and rushed to Fadok Hospital for treatment but died around 7:30 am from injuries sustained in the accident.
According to reports, the incident quickly triggered a protest by commercial motorcycle riders who gathered at the hospital, alleging that personnel of the Border Patrol Unit were responsible for the accident.
The Police, however, disclosed that senior officers, alongside the Seriki of the Hausa/Fulani community, engaged the protesters and assured them of a thorough investigation.
The Command further revealed that two officers, an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector attached to the Border Patrol Unit have been detained pending the outcome of investigations.
It added that investigators have visited the scene of the accident, where necessary documentation, including photographs and a sketch map, was obtained to aid further inquiry. The remains of the deceased were released to the Seriki of the Hausa community for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Police noted that order has been restored in the area, adding that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Command urged members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue.