Two young men were mistakenly killed by a policeman’s stray bullet in Ekiti State on Tuesday night. The tragic incident occurred around 10 pm in the Omisanjana Area of Ado Ekiti.
According to witnesses, a traffic accident had sparked outrage among local youths who attempted to mob the driver and set his vehicle on fire. Police were called to restore order, but upon arrival, they faced resistance from the agitated crowd.
In an attempt to disperse the youths, an officer’s firearm accidentally discharged, hitting two young men. Despite immediate efforts to save them by rushing them to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, both victims succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue.
DSP Sunday Abutu, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, confirmed the incident and announced the commencement of a thorough investigation. He explained that officers initially deployed to the scene encountered significant resistance, necessitating reinforcement. During the commotion, one officer accidentally discharged his weapon, resulting in the fatalities.
The officer involved has been disarmed, arrested, and detained, and will face disciplinary action. The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, has extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that a detailed investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.
