Ogun community boils as police allegedly shoot Oro festival celebrant dead
Tension Surges in Ogun State Following Police Shooting
IFONYINTEDO, Ogun State — The Ifonyintedo community in the Ipokia Local Government Area is grappling with unrest after a young man, identified as Owolabi Oniyiku, was reportedly shot and killed by police officers at a checkpoint on Wednesday.
According to information gathered by DAILY POST, officers from the Idiroko Border Patrol Team allegedly fired a shot that struck Oniyiku in the chest. An 18-second video depicting his lifeless body circulated widely on social media, prompting community members to express their outrage, claiming, “Police officers in Idiroko have killed someone.”
The tensions escalated following a prior incident in which a police patrol checkpoint in the area was set on fire late Tuesday night. In response, security forces established a roadblock on Wednesday. During this operation, Oniyiku, who had returned home to celebrate the Oro festival, encountered the police.
Sources indicate that Oniyiku was en route to the Ilashe garage when he was shot. He had volunteered to take a friend back to Sango-Ota on August 19, 2026, using his motorcycle. As they approached the Ifejido area, they encountered the police checkpoint, where several motorcycles had been confiscated by officers. Reports suggest that Oniyiku stopped to plead with officials for the return of one of the seized bikes, leading to a heated argument. During this exchange, one of the officers allegedly shot him in the chest, resulting in his immediate death.
The shooting sparked a violent protest among local youths, who retaliated by setting fire to a nearby police station. Protesters then carried Oniyiku’s body to the Idiroko Area Command, demanding justice.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the incident, stating that the officers involved have been arrested and an investigation is underway.
Additionally, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Ipokia condemned the shooting. In a statement signed by Secretary Babarinde Kofoworola and Coordinator Gbenasu Johnson, the council called for an independent investigation and a reevaluation of all checkpoints in the area, alleging that residents face continual harassment and extortion.
“A security checkpoint should provide security. It should not become a source of fear,” the statement read. The council urged the Inspector General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to provide a comprehensive account of the events and identify all officers present at the scene. They requested action within seven days and a meeting with community leaders to help alleviate the growing tension.
