Gunfire in Akure: Amotekun, Police Clash Over Suspect Custody and Exhibit
Akure, Ondo State — Residents of the Ondo State capital were thrown into panic yesterday as a confrontation between officers of the Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Police turned violent, reportedly leading to an exchange of gunfire and several injuries.
Eyewitness accounts say the chaos began after Amotekun operatives apprehended a suspect linked to a stolen motorcycle and recovered the vehicle following a complaint lodged at their office. Moments later, a police team from Ijoka Divisional Headquarters arrived, demanding custody of both the suspect and the recovered exhibit.
Amotekun operatives refused the request, redirecting the officers to their commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye. A heated argument escalated into a violent standoff, with reports of gunshots and multiple officers wounded.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
In an official statement, Ondo Police Command spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said that the police were the first to respond to a report about the theft of items from a church near Sunday Bus Stop and were already executing their duties when Amotekun operatives intervened in a “commando-like manner” with the support of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders).
The police claimed one of their officers was injured during the forceful takeover by Amotekun. The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately ordered tactical units to retrieve the suspect and evidence.
Police Deny Gunfire Exchange
Despite initial reports from witnesses, the police have denied any exchange of gunfire between the two agencies. The command stated that while the matter was being settled through dialogue, some aggrieved Amotekun personnel fired shots into the air in protest of the suspect’s release to the police.
To disperse the growing crowd, police said they used tear gas “professionally”, without engaging in any direct shootout.
Public Concern Grows
The incident has raised serious questions about inter-agency coordination and the potential for breakdowns in public safety when security outfits clash.
Efforts to contact Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the Amotekun Commander, for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command assured residents of its commitment to peace and the rule of law, emphasizing that collaboration with other security agencies remains vital to maintaining public safety.
