The Oyo Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old security guard for allegedly shooting a resident at Zion Estate in the Akobo area of Ibadan.
The police also recovered four locally made single-barrel guns and a machete from the suspect.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Ibadan.
Ayanlade said that the incident happened on Tuesday at about 04;00hrs when the victim, Bolaji Oladipupo, reportedly came out of his residence to pump water and heard the sound of a siren around his house.
“According to facts established during preliminary investigation, the victim proceeded outside to ascertain the source of the noise but was confronted by the security guard.
“The victim said that he identified himself as a resident of the house, but was nevertheless shot by the security guard.
“Following the report, police operatives from Akobo Division promptly visited the scene and subsequently arrested the suspect,” he said.
The PPRO said that the suspect confessed to having shot the victim during preliminary investigation.
He said that a search conducted by the police at the suspect’s duty post led to the recovery of two serviceable and two unserviceable locally made single-barrel guns and one machete.
He also said that the victim was currently receiving medical attention and responding to treatment, adding that investigators were intensifying efforts to unravel the circumstances and mystery surrounding the shooting.
“We want to know what transpired immediately before the incident and the circumstances leading to the use of the firearm.
”Investigation will also establish the circumstances under which the recovered firearms were in the suspect’s possession,” he said.
Ayanlade who appreciated the contribution of private security guards and other members of the private security sector to the protection of lives and property, urged them to remain professional, disciplined and emotionally restrained in the discharge of their duties.
He said that security personnel were expected to exercise sound judgment at all times and not allow anger, provocation or other emotions take the better part of them, particularly in situations requiring restraint and de-escalation.
“The state Commissioner of Police (CP) Abimbola Olugbenga, has directed a thorough and professional investigation into the incident, with a view to establishing all relevant facts and taking appropriate action in accordance with the law,” he added.
