By Taiwo Scholarstica
Two civilians were killed while two police officers sustained serious injuries after suspected political thugs attacked a police patrol team along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway in Osun State.
The incident occurred at about 11am on Monday, August 24, 2026, when the patrol team attached to the Ikire Division was responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of a man identified only as Sunkanmi.
According to a statement issued by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the officers, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikire Division, came under a sudden attack after arriving at the scene.
The police said the assailants opened fire on the officers while they were inside their operational vehicle and succeeded in taking one AK-47 service rifle.
The statement said the hoodlums subsequently used the stolen rifle to fire indiscriminately, leading to the death of two civilians.
The deceased were identified as 49-year-old Nurení Sobowale, from Odeda Area of Abeokuta, and 43-year-old Saheed Akinrole, from Adeagbo Compound, Ikire.
The command described the attack as an “unprovoked attack on police personnel” and condemned what it called the “senseless loss of innocent lives.”
The police patrol vehicle was also reportedly taken away by the attackers during the incident.
However, the vehicle was later abandoned and recovered by the police with several bullet holes and a destroyed windscreen. Nine expended ammunition shells were also recovered at the scene and secured for forensic examination.
The remains of the two victims have been deposited at Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, while their families have been informed of their deaths.
The two injured police officers were initially taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for further medical attention.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
The Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to lead a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
He also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to the area to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The command urged residents and motorists along the affected axis to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation.
“We appeal to anyone with credible and timely information that may assist in apprehending the assailants to please report to the nearest police station,” the statement said.
The police further assured residents that necessary measures were being taken to restore and maintain security along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway and other parts of the state.
The command said the outcome of the investigation would be made public in due course.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of motorists and residents along the busy expressway, as security operatives intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.