Daud Olatunji
A violent clash erupted in Abeokuta, Ogun State, leaving the Adatan Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Sikiru Olugbenga, severely wounded and his subordinates fleeing the scene in panic.
The chaos unfolded after a betting agent, Anuoluwapo Alabede, was fatally shot during a confrontation between the police and suspected cultists.
The incident occurred on Friday when CSP Olugbenga mobilised his team to the Imala/Elega area to preemptively address potential violence linked to the annual 7/7 cult celebrations.
Every July 7, rival cult groups, notably the Aiye and Eiye confraternities, traditionally engage in deadly clashes to avenge the deaths of their members.
Upon receiving intelligence about a gathering of cult members planning an attack, CSP Olugbenga led his officers to a local hotel, First Point.
However, the police were outnumbered and overwhelmed by the suspects.
During the ensuing melee, Alabede, a betting agent and graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, was reportedly hit during an attempt to wrestle a gun from the DPO.
In the struggle, a stray bullet discharged, killing Alabede instantly.
The death of Alabede incited further violence.
Enraged youths and cultists began hurling stones and other dangerous objects at the police.
Overpowered and unable to contain the situation, the officers abandoned their DPO and fled the scene.
CSP Olugbenga narrowly escaped death,but,for the timely intervention of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), led by Deputy Commandant Olusola Adewusi, also known as Skingy.
Olugbenga was found injured in a gutter and was initially taken to Korede Hospital before being transferred to an undisclosed location on the orders of the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu.
Sources close to the DPO revealed that he remains in critical condition, suffering multiple wounds from the attack.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the police reinforcements arrived an hour and a half after the distress call was made.
In the wake of the incident, aggrieved youths staged a protest on Saturday, mourning the death of Alabede, who was known to operate a Bet9ja shop in front of the First Point hotel.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation and Alabede’s death
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