Tension erupted in parts of Ibadan on Tuesday as residents staged a heavy protest following the alleged release of a suspected bandit by police, an incident that triggered outrage across communities in the of Afijio local government area of Oyo State.
The protest reportedly followed a series of bandit attacks that have plagued communities around Jabele for months. According to residents, the latest incident occurred late Saturday night when suspected bandits attempted to kidnap a man but failed, leaving the victim seriously wounded. The victim was later taken to a hospital in Ogbomoso where he is said to be receiving treatment.
In response to the attack, residents of Jabele organized community vigil patrols to safeguard their neighbourhoods. At about 1 a.m. on Monday, members of the vigil reportedly intercepted a man suspected to be one of the bandits hiding in nearby bushes with weapons.
The suspect was detained by residents and later handed over to the at the Jabele Police Division on March 9. However, later that day, rumours began circulating within the community that the suspect had been released from police custody.
Angered by the development, residents stormed the police station early Tuesday morning demanding that the suspect they handed over barely 24 hours earlier be produced. According to eyewitness accounts, officers at the station were unable to present the suspect and allegedly informed the community that he had been released after being considered innocent.
The development reportedly sparked outrage among residents, including elders, youths and women, who blocked sections of the busy roads , causing a massive traffic gridlock. Others remained at the police station demanding to know who authorized the suspect’s release.
Community members insist that the same bandit group has kidnapped at least seven people in recent months and has been terrorizing several communities in Afijio.
The protest reportedly began to calm after the police officer responsible for the suspect’s handling was detained while the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State assured residents that a full investigation into the incident would be conducted.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities were yet to provide a detailed public explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s release.
Source: Trending Explained via @TrendingEX
