From Victor Akinkuolie

Ado-Ekiti

The remains of the two youths shot dead by a happy-trigger police officer from the Ekiti State Police Command, were buried amidst tears and wailings at the weekend  in Ado-Ekiti.

The bodies of the deceased youths were released to their families by the police after the completion of investigations by the Homicide Section of the command.

The burial ceremonies were held in two different locations within Ado-Ekiti, and monitored by police officers.

During one of the burial ceremonies held at Omisanjana, Street, Ado-Ekiti, members of the family of the two youths, students body, as well as members of the youths forum Omisanjana, Ado-Ekiti, among others were present.

Shortly, before the deceased was laid to rest, a brief Christian rite was performed by some pastors and members of a white garment church in the community, amidst tight security during which members of the family were invited to inspect the remains before it was lowered into the grave. 

It will be recall that two members of the youths in Omisanjana street, Ado-Ekiti, were shot  and killed by bullets from a happy-trigger police officer, attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), of the command.

The incident happened abiut 10pm at Omisanjana street in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

It was gathered that an incident had occurred in the area which almost resulted into fracas between the police and some irate youths in the area, while officials of the RRS were contacted on phone to douse the tension. But on getting to the scene, the youths showed no sign of remorse.

It was gathered that in the process of trying to disperse the youths, there was an accidental discharge from the gun of one of the officers which eventually hit two of the youths.

Though the victims were rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, they were later confirmed dead by the doctors.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Mr Sunday Abutu, said a discreet investigation has commenced into the matter.

Abutu in a statement said:”The Command, upon the receipt of the information, deployed the State Traffic Section to the scene to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order as well as ensuring the safety of the victims.

“On getting to the scene, the operatives met a resistance as some irate youths disallowed them from performing their lawful duty and insisted on carrying out jungle justice. This necessitated a call for re-enforcement to assist the officers on ground.

“However, in the process, one of the officers accidentally fired a shot that fatally injured two persons.

“The officer responsible for the shooting has been disarmed, arrested and detained and shall be made to face disciplinary action immediately.

“While the command is already in touch with the two families of the deceased, the Ekiti State Commissioner of police, Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, condoles with the families and assured them that discreet investigation has commenced and justice shall prevail”