Why Motorcyclists Invaded Ondo Police Division – State Command

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has clarified that the invasion of one of its Division at Akoko area on Sunday by commercial motorcyclists was to forcefully release a driver who was detained for involvement in an accident.

In a statement released in Akure, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said that no Police Division in the State experienced any form of attack.

The statement urged residents to disregard the report, stating it was intended to cause unnecessary panic.

Providing details of the incident, the Police explained that the misunderstanding stemmed from a demand made by some motorcyclists at the Oka Division following an accident involving one of their colleagues.

According to the statement, the accident occurred along Epinmi Road when a vehicle collided with a motorcyclist, resulting in the rider’s death and injuries to the passenger.

The driver involved in the accident had reported the incident at the Oka Division, prompting police officers to visit the scene.

The deceased’s body was taken to a morgue in Oka, while the injured passenger was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Odunlami, in the statement explained that “a young man was involved in a fatal motor accident along Epinmi Road and he reported the incident  at Oka Police Division.

“The accident involved his vehicle and a motorcyclist. Police officers from Oka Division proceeded to the scene of the incident and found the motorcyclist dead and the pillion injured.

“The corpse was moved  to a morgue in Oka, and the injured person taken to the hospital for medical care.

“A group of motorcyclists, who witnessed the incident, followed the Police back to the station, demanding the release of the driver involved in the accident.

“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) declined their request, explaining the need for due legal process to be followed. After a productive dialogue, the motorcyclists dispersed peacefully.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges the public to disregard this fake news. Under the leadership of CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the State.  In the same vein, adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free festive season.”