Some officers of the Ondo State Police Command and operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, have sustained injuries during a clash that broke out between the two security agencies over the custody of a suspected motorcycle theft.
The altercation occurred in the Ijoka area of Akure North Local Government Area of the state after a complainant reported a stolen motorcycle and other property from a church near Sunday Bus Stop to the Amotekun Corps.
The Amotekun personnel, after receiving the information, acted swiftly, recovered the stolen motorcycle, and arrested the suspect.
But trouble started while the suspect was being transported for interrogation.
Police officers reportedly arrived at the scene and demanded custody of the suspect, a request Amotekun operatives declined, insisting on taking the suspect to their office, which escalated tensions.
According to one injured Amotekun officer, the police later reinforced their presence and allegedly attempted to forcibly retrieve the suspect, sparking a violent confrontation.
The clash intensified near the ShopRite roundabout, close to the Amotekun headquarters, where both agencies blocked off the road. Sporadic gunfire ensued, causing panic among residents and forcing many to flee for safety.
Responding, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olusola Alayande, said police officers were the first to arrive at the scene following a report of theft at a nearby church.
He alleged that Amotekun operatives, accompanied by a group of commercial motorcyclists, disrupted the police operation, forcibly taking custody of the suspect and injuring an officer in the process.
Alayande described the incident as a “misunderstanding” between the agencies and claimed the suspect had been severely brutalized by Amotekun operatives.
He said following a dialogue between the leadership of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were eventually returned to the police.