Ikire killings: Accord demands arrest, prosecution of DPO

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun state chapter of the Accord Party has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, over the alleged shooting at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire on Monday.

The party, while describing the shooting as “barbaric, unprofessional and unprovoked.” alleged that the incident resulted in the deaths of a commercial bus driver, Saheed Akinrole, and a passenger.

In a statement signed by the state chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord alleged that the DPO personally went to the garage and opened fire on civilians.

Akande said, “Eyewitness accounts confirm that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division, Mr. Bamidele Olatona, personally stormed the public garage and opened fire sporadically into a crowd of unarmed civilians. There was no crisis or conflict at the said park. There was no take over bid by any group. The normal park operation was ongoing when the DPO launched the attacks.”

“Such reckless, bloodthirsty, and animalistic behavior from a senior law enforcement officer tasked with protecting lives is an absolute disgrace to the Nigeria Police Force and strongly suggests an officer who lacks the mental stability and emotional balance required to carry a firearm.”

Accord also accused the DPO of partisan conduct during the pre-election and election periods, during which the party said he functioned less as a public servant and more as an armed enforcement wing for political interests.

The party chairman called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the office of the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the Police Service Commission to order the immediate arrest, psychological evaluation, dismissal, and criminal prosecution of the DPO.

According to Akande, the DPO must be investigated thoroughly and brought to book to face the full weight of the law for murder and abuse of office.