Tragedy struck in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday, as a police officer simply identified as Williams and popularly known as Freedom, reportedly killed SS1 Student of Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe, Adeleye Eniola .
It was gathered that Freedom is attached to police command in Ilaro,Yewa-South local government area of the state killed Eniola in a cold-blooded hit-and-run.
He was reported to have crushed the pupil when he lost control while pursuing a vehicle which had escaped from the checkpoints.
Confirming the incident, the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF) expressed sorrow over the incident,condemning what it described as a barbaric act.
The IPYF accused the police officer and others of unprofessional conduct that infringes on the human rights of the community members.
Narrating how the incident occurred,the General Secretary of IPYF, Adeyemi Olusegun, alleged that the officer chased a motorist who had escaped extortion, resulting in the tragic death of the young student and injuries other students.
The Youth forum said the situation escalated as grieving students protested at Idi-Iroko Police Station, demanding justice for their fallen comrade.
The forum lamented that shockingly, the response from the police was tear gas and violence, leading to the arrest of some protesters.
The IPYF accuses the police of mounting illegal checkpoints, extortion, and threatening the lives of the community members.
It was also gathered that a Joint Task Force (JTF) was deployed to control the chaos but reportedly exacerbated the situation by entering Mayigi Community High School, Ilashe, destroying school properties, and threatening teachers and students with guns.
In a press statement, the General Secretary of IPYF, the youth made some demands which include ; proper identification and prosecution of the hit-and-run officer named “FREEDOM” for manslaughter and inciting public unrest.
“Immediate disbandment of all illegal checkpoints in Ipokia Local Government.
Comprehensive interventions to prevent further escalation and potential pandemonium.
“The IPYF warns that failure to meet these demands may lead to widespread protests, reminiscent of the ENDSARS movement.”
The statement concludes with a strong message that the youths are prepared to mobilise against what they term “bloodsucking vampires in uniform.”
