COVID-19 ENFORCEMENT DUTY: IGP Condemns attack on Police Officers in Oyo

By Joy Okosieme

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Adamu on Sunday commended the Divisional Crime Officer(DCO II)of Eruwa Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) Adeyemo Ogunyemi, for his uncommon restraint and professionalism in the face of unprovoked attack as shown in a viral video where a woman identified as Kehinde Afolake was seen assaulting him unchallenged.

A statement by Police spokesman, Frank Mba said ASP Ogunyemi was carrying out the COVID-19 enforcement duty at Gbolagunte, Okeola area of Eruwa, Ibarapa, Oyo State on 1st May 2020 when was assaulted by the woman. He stated that in the video of the incident, which has since gone viral, ASP Ogunyemi did not retaliate but rather, maintained an absolute calm,  patience, and decorum even as the woman rough handled him and slapped him severally.

“The said woman also assaulted two female police officers, Inspr. Ojola Abiola and Inspr. Queen Eguaoje and gave one of them human bite on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 during an attempt to invite her to the Police Station for the earlier incident of serious assault on the DCO. The Ewura incident thus is a classic example of unprovoked, unwarranted, and unnecessary attacks faced by police officers in the course of performing their legitimate duties. The IGP, therefore, warns that this trend will no longer be tolerated by the Force.

The statement disclosed that since the commencement of the COVID-19 enforcement duties, a total of 27 police personnel have suffered series of attacks and assaults from members of the public at different times and different locations. Many of these officers, the police spokesman said, are still in hospitals receiving treatment from the injuries sustained during such attacks.

The statement said the injured police personnel includes a female police officer, PC Ngozi Nkem, in Agbor, Delta State who was seriously assaulted when a police team was dispersing a group of persons holding a birthday party in clear disobedience to the social restrictions and distancing orders. Mba said apart from the attack on the police officers, some citizens have equally carried out attacks on police assets and facilities. He cited the case of two police stations and police quarters that were attacked and burnt down in Katsina and Abia States while fifteen police vehicles and motorcycles were also damaged.

The Police spokesman said the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command to carry out a discreet investigation into the Ewura attack on the police officers and ensure that justice is done.

“The IGP enjoins the citizens to continue to cooperate with the police and other security personnel and voluntarily comply with all COVID-19 prevention orders. He reiterates that the Force shall continue to hold officers accountable and mete out commensurate punishments on any personnel who violate the rights of the citizens. He, however, warned against any unprovoked attack and assault on police officers while in the course of their duties as perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, the statement said.

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