Man dies in river after jumping in to escape police raid

ayodele johnson

October 31, 2016 6:49 PM

A man named Gafar Ajibola drowned in a river while trying to escape from the police.

Man drowns in river while trying to escape from the police.

A man named Gafar Ajibola died by drowning after jumping into a river in Abeokuta, Ogun State in a bid to escape a police raid.

Report says that the deceased was washing his clothes by the bank of the river located in the Oniyanrin area of the state when he heard gunshots from the police.

Reacting out of fear, he jumps into the river and drowned.

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Abimbola Oyeyemi, the state Police Public Relations Officer has defended the force, stating that the police officers who shot into the air were carrying out their duties.

“The information I got is to the effect that policemen had gone to raid criminals’ hideouts. There are places around that area known for harbouring criminals. So police usually go there to raid.

“Some people were arrested and after investigation, they were released. It is surprising that somebody jumped into the river when the police were performing their duties in the area.

“The case is under investigation, but police were in that place to ensure safety of lives and properties. The Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered an investigation into the matter.

“I am assuring you, if police officers are found culpable, the law will take its course. Police are there basically to carry out their duties.”

Nigerians generally nurse a fear for the police due to their violent ways of executing their duties.

Most people have different tales of their encounter with the law enforcement officers who by default should be protecting them.

Such protection has been lacking on many number of occasions.

ayodele johnson