Nigeria: Gunmen Kill One and Injure Two Ogun Chiefs in Oluke Community Attack
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
In a tragic incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, unidentified gunmen attacked the Oluke community in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, resulting in the death of one person and the injury of two local chiefs. The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attack.
According to sources within the community, the attack was a consequence of the ongoing dispute over the traditional leadership of the community. The dispute has led to a series of petitions regarding the rightful ruler. On Thursday afternoon, the gunmen invaded the community and targeted two chiefs who were returning from a meeting. They opened fire on their vehicles, causing gunshot injuries to the chiefs.
In an act of bravery, a member of the Ogun State Community, Social, and Orientation Corps (So-Safe Corps), Kusika Benjamin, pursued the gunmen into the bush. Tragically, Benjamin was shot during the pursuit and succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has raised concerns among the residents of Oluke community, who have been left shocked and saddened by the violence. The police arrived at the scene after the gunmen had fled and restored calm to the area.
Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed the attack and provided further details. She stated that the Divisional Police Officer received a distress call on the day of the incident, reporting that five unknown gunmen had emerged from the bush and opened fire on the returning chiefs. Two of the chiefs sustained gunshot injuries, while their vehicles were riddled with bullets.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer immediately led a patrol team to the scene and rescued the injured chiefs. They were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Kusika Benjamin, who had bravely confronted the gunmen, was also shot and taken to Ifo General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Ogun State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the attack to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The incident has further highlighted the need for increased security measures in the area to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.
The Oluke community and the entire Ogun State mourn the loss of Kusika Benjamin and extend their condolences to his family. The community also hopes for a swift resolution to the obaship tussle, which has been the root cause of the violence.
