Ogun State Police Command got its experience in the violence accompanying #EndSARS peaceful protests on Wednesday, the Divisional Crime Officer of Atan-Ota Divisional Headquarters, DSP Augustine Ogbeche has been murdered, and the police station set ablaze.
A civilian was also a casualty, as he reportedly died during the mayhem.
Also injured was the Divisional Police Officer, SP Sikiru Olugbenga, whose whereabouts had yet to be known to law enforcement agents.
In addition, a group of young men allegedly attacked Obada-Oko police station and vandalised it.
Speaking in a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said that it was unfortunate that the protests were taking a dimension, as those with ulterior motives were seizing the opportunity of protests to commit crimes.
According to Oyeyemi, “early this morning (Wednesday), the protesters went to Atan-Ota, set the police station ablaze and subsequently murdered the D.C.O, DSP Augustine Ogbeche in cold blood.
“A civilian also died in the process, while some arms were carted away.
“They also inflicted a serious injury on the DPO, SP Sikiru Olugbenga, whose whereabout is yet unknown.
In Abeokuta too, some groups of boys attacked Obada-Oko divisional headquarters and vandalised it.”
The PPRO stated that it was in view of this that the state Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun was pleading with the youths to eschew violence and embrace peace, as “violence will do no good to anyone.”
He added that “the Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command is equally appealing to traditional institutions, parents and other critical stakeholders to prevail on the youths to stop this carnage and give the government a chance to address the situation.
“The youths are reminded that since the commencement of the protests, the police have been nice and civil to them, even when some of our men were injured and our stations damaged.
“We even went ahead and released all the 36 suspects we arrested. However, if in the course of handling the protests, anybody feels offended, we plead understanding and not retaliatory measures, including killing and maiming policemen and burning and damaging police stations.
“We will ensure that justice is served any aggrieved person.”
