Allegations false, says PPRO
Some shop owners in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have accused police officers of looting shops during the kingship dispute that rocked the town on Monday.
One of the traders identified one of the affected cops as Officer Yusuf.
In a viral video, the trader lamented the destruction of his business, alleging that the officers carted away drinks, cash, and other valuables.
“Look at how Esa-Oke police officers looted my shop. They took all the drinks—nine packs of Coke, four packs of Fearless, Eva water, malt, and six crates of beer. They even took cold drinks from my fridge and all the market money.
He further alleged that the officers deliberately targeted him.
“They broke the door, damaged the key, and looted my shop because I refused to support them in killing Esa-Oke residents. I saw everything from where I was hiding. They said I was the leader of the youth and decided to destroy my shop. What they are doing now is to break into shops and steal.”
The looting reportedly occurred amid violent clashes over the appointment of a new monarch for Ido Ayegunle, which has claimed four lives and left several people injured.
Reacting to the allegation, spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said officers of the command were not involved in the alleged looting.
Opalola added that the police officers attached to the Esa Oke division were overwhelmed with the situation and sustained injuries, while trying to maintain peace.
She urged members of the public to desist from maligning the police, especially during communal disputes.
“Police can never do that. I see it as a kind of defamation of character. I will not support that the police can do that. It is an attempt to spoil the name of the police. It is unfortunate. We will continue to do our best,” the police spokesperson said.