Ogun community boils as police allegedly shoot Oro festival celebrant dead

Tension has gripped Ifonyintedo community in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State after a young man identified as Owolabi Oniyiku was reportedly shot dead by police officers at a checkpoint.

DAILY POST gathered that the officers attached to the Idiroko Border Patrol Team allegedly fired a shot, hitting Oniyiku in the chest, on Wednesday.

An 18-second video of the lifeless body also went viral, with youths shouting, “Police officers in Idiroko have killed someone.”

It was learnt that a police patrol checkpoint had been set ablaze on Tuesday night. Reacting to the incident, the security operatives mounted a roadblock on Wednesday.

It was during that process that Oniyiku, who had returned home to celebrate the Oro festival with family and friends, ran into the police.

According to a source, he was on his way to the Ilashe garage when he was shot.

“After the festival, his friend decided to return to Sango-Ota on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Oniyiku reportedly volunteered to take him on his motorcycle to Ilashe Garage.

“On their way, they met a blocked road in the Ifejido area where a police checkpoint had been affected by the earlier attack. Oniyiku reportedly saw some of his friends whose motorcycles had been seized.

“He stopped and began pleading with the officers to release one of the bikes. The situation degenerated into an argument. In the process, an officer allegedly shot Oniyiku in the chest. He died at the scene.”

DAILY POST reports that the killing led to a violent protest by youths against the security operatives.

They also reportedly burnt down a police station in the community and took the corpse to the Idiroko Area Command, demanding justice for the deceased.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the officers involved had been arrested and the Command was investigating the case.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Ipokia, in a statement signed by the Secretary, Babarinde Kofoworola, and Coordinator, Gbenasu Johnson, condemned the killing and called for an independent probe.

They also demanded a review of all checkpoints in the area, alleging that residents face daily harassment, repeated stops and demands for money at checkpoints.

“A security checkpoint should provide security. It should not become a source of fear,” the statement said.

They urged the IGP, Ogun CP, and Idiroko Area Command to release a clear account of what happened and identify all officers present, demanding action within seven days and a meeting with community leaders to end the tension.