Rampaging students break DPO’s head in Ogun

By PETER MOSES

Some Secondary school students in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have reportedly stoned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Obantoko Division, Alimeke Ignatius, in the head, during a clash in the metropolis.

Our correspondent gathered that the students of Egba Comprehensive High School and Asero High School in Asero, both in Abeokuta, had engaged one another in a bloody clash.

It was further gathered that the students, who hauled stones and other missiles at one another, blocked the main road, causing tension among the residents of the area.

To douse the tension, operatives of the Obantoko police station were called to arrest the situation.

Daily Trust learnt that the DPO led his men to the scene of the incident only to be attacked by the rampaging students.

The students reportedly hauled stones at the operatives, which hit Ignatius on the head.

The DPO sustained a grievous injury on his head as he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said it happened on Monday.

According to Oyeyemi, the students of Egba Comprehensive High School and Asero High School were engaged in a fight and the police from the Obantoko station were called to take charge of the situation.

“The DPO was hit by stones. The students were throwing stones and other objects at themselves during the fight,” Oyeyemi said.

When asked if any arrest was made, Oyeyemi retorted, “We cannot arrest the students because they are minors. We can only detain and counsel them, after which they will be released.”

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has condemned the attack, describing it as “uncivilized and unwarranted”.

The state Chairman of PCRC, Samson Kunle Popoola, in a statement signed by his media aide, Babatunde Odeyemi, lamented the public disorder by secondary school students in the state, saying; “if this is not quickly checked, it may portray a great danger for the future of this country.”

Secondary school students in Ogun State have recently been attacking their teachers whenever they are punished for any unruly behaviour. (Daily Trust)