In a shocking incident in Ogun State, a truck driver and his motor boy have been arrested after they allegedly beat a man to death over accusations of stealing a tarpaulin.
The arrest was made on Saturday, following a report from a concerned witness who saw the violent assault unfold early the previous morning.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the incident took place in Obada Oko, located in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The truck driver, identified as Olalere Timileyin, and his motor boy, whose name was not disclosed, were detained by the police following the tragic incident.
A statement from the Ogun State Police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, revealed that a local resident, Alao Fadipe, had informed the police about the fight that took place outside his house at around 3 am on Friday.
Fadipe reported that when he approached the scene, he saw Timileyin and his motor boy attacking a man who was accused of stealing a tarpaulin.
The two men were said to have been working with a cement factory in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.
Fadipe claimed that the man being beaten appeared to lose consciousness as the assault continued.
“Upon receiving the complaint, detectives from Obada Oko responded swiftly and arrested both the truck driver and his motor-boy at the scene,” Odutola’s statement read.
The police also took the injured man to the State Hospital, Ijaye, for medical treatment.
Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, the man died while undergoing treatment.
His body was subsequently sent to the morgue for an autopsy.
As of now, the suspects are under interrogation, with the police working to contact the deceased’s family.
Odutola confirmed that the case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) at Eleweran for further investigation.
The tragic incident has left residents of the area shocked and outraged.
This senseless violence raises significant concerns about the safety of individuals in Ogun State, especially during the busy holiday period.
The police spokesperson also issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to refrain from engaging in street fights or any form of violence that could threaten public peace, particularly during the upcoming yuletide season.
“Acts of violence, such as the one witnessed in this case, will not be tolerated,” Odutola emphasized in the statement.
“The police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and we will continue to take swift action against those who engage in criminal behavior.”
The case has sparked debates on the need for stricter measures to prevent violent incidents, especially during the holidays when tensions often run high.
Residents have been urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
This unfortunate event also raises questions about the growing issue of vigilante justice in Nigeria, where citizens often resort to violence to resolve disputes.
