Massive Protest in Osun as Angry Members of OSTMS Question Shooting of Park Manager Alowonle
A large protest erupted in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, as members of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) took to the streets over the alleged shooting of their Chairman, Wakeel Nurudeen Alowonle, by operatives of the Osun Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
According to reports, Alowonle was arrested by the police on Monday night for allegedly having a police pistol and ammunition.
Massive Protest in Osun as Angry Members of OSTMS Question Shooting of Park Manager AlowonleSource: Twitter
The arrest quickly escalated into a violent incident, with police operatives reportedly shooting Alowonle, who is said to be in critical condition after the alleged attack.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, speaking on Tuesday, November 19, expressed alarm over the incident, describing the shooting as a gross violation of human rights.
He further suggested that the shooting stemmed from a domestic matter, raising concerns about the police’s conduct in the case.
“This is not just an ordinary case of police overreach. Alowonle was nearly killed while in custody, and the public needs to know the truth about this tragic event,” he said.
Protesters block Aregbe park expressway
In response to the incident, dozens of OSTMS members flooded the streets of Osogbo, blocking the busy Aregbe Park expressway.
The protestors, some holding placards and chanting for justice, disrupted traffic in the area for several hours, demanding that the police be held accountable for their actions.
“We will not rest until justice is served!” one of the protesters shouted, as demonstrators carried banners calling for an independent investigation into the police’s handling of the case.
**Police Remain Silent**
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the shooting or the protests. Tensions remain high as the public awaits clarity on the details surrounding Alowonle’s arrest and subsequent injury.
**Calls for Accountability**
This protest has sparked a wider debate over police brutality and accountability in Nigeria. Many citizens are calling for the government to intervene and ensure that those responsible for the alleged shooting are brought to justice.
Source: TheTalk.NG
