Two Civilians Killed, Policemen Injured as Patrol Team is Attacked in Osun

Two civilians were reportedly killed and two police officers severely injured when suspected political thugs attacked a police patrol team on the Ibadan-Ife expressway in Osun State. The incident took place on August 24, 2026, around 11 a.m., as the patrol team, part of the Ikire Division, responded to a distress call regarding the alleged abduction of a man named Sunkanmi.

Upon arriving at the scene, the officers were suddenly attacked by the suspects, who opened fire on them while they were in their vehicle, successfully stealing one of the officers' AK-47 rifles. The assailants then used the stolen weapon to kill two civilians, identified as Nurení Sobowale, 49, from Odeda Area, Abeokuta, and Saheed Akinrole, 43, from Ikire's Adeagbo Compound.

Police officers were first taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan for further treatment. The police patrol vehicle was taken by the attackers, who abandoned it later, leaving behind multiple bullet holes and a shattered windscreen. Forensic analysis was conducted on nine expended ammunition shells found at the scene.

The two deceased civilians' remains were deposited at the Oluyoro Catholic Mortuary, and their families were notified. Osun State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Zungura, upon his arrival, ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the attackers. The police emphasized that the attack was unprovoked and called on residents to remain calm and vigilant as security forces work to restore order on the expressway and throughout the state.

The incident occurred shortly after the new police commissioner assumed duty following the August 15 governorship election, which has raised security concerns in the region.