In a shocking incident at the Ojoo Bus Terminal, men in army uniforms were reported to have assaulted officials of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) and vandalized several vehicles.
The Chairman of PMS, Alhaji Wasiu Tomiwa Omolewa, raised the alarm over the violent encounter, which stems from an alleged pursuit of suspected internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys.”
According to eyewitness accounts, the soldiers began their aggressive actions after the suspects fled into the bus terminal in a bid to escape.
Once inside, the uniformed men reportedly waylaid the alleged fraudsters and, in a chaotic turn of events, began assaulting individuals present at the terminal indiscriminately.
“The men in army uniforms were forceful and aggressive, attacking anyone who stood in their way,” Omolewa described.
He expressed grave concern over the actions that not only endangered the lives of citizens but also compromised the safety of PMS officials attempting to manage the situation.
In a bid to regain control, PMS officials managed to overpower the soldiers and apprehended four of them.
Alhaji Omolewa, although not present at the scene, was quickly informed about the incident.
He instructed the officials to contact the officers stationed at Odogbo Barracks for assistance.
While awaiting military support, the police from Ojoo arrived at the scene.
They detained the four soldiers involved in the altercation. Upon arrival, army officers from Odogbo Barracks intervened, leading to the release of two soldiers. However, two remained in police custody for further investigation.
This unsettling incident has raised questions about the conduct of military personnel and their engagement with civilians. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the events that transpired and ensure accountability.
As the situation develops, community leaders and local authorities are urging for a thorough examination of military interactions within civilian settings to prevent future occurrences of such violence.
He said: “What happened at the Ojoo Bus Terminal is deeply troubling. We expect our military to protect us, not to instigate violence.”
“This kind of aggressive behavior from uniformed personnel is unacceptable. We urge the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.”
“Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens and officials. We cannot allow anyone, regardless of their uniform, to take the law into their own hands.”
“I was shocked to hear about the assault. We all strive to maintain peace in our community, and this incident undermines that effort.”
“I commend the PMS officials who acted bravely to subdue the soldiers. It’s crucial that we stand together against such acts of violence.”