Security Guard Arrested for Shooting Resident in Ibadan Estate

The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested a 49-year-old security guard for allegedly shooting a resident at Zion Estate in the Akobo area of Ibadan.

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 on Thursday in Ibadan.

According to Ayanlade, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 4:00 a.m., when the victim, Bolaji Oladipupo, reportedly stepped out of his residence to pump water and heard the sound of a siren nearby. "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 the suspect confessed to shooting the victim during preliminary questioning. A search conducted at the suspect's duty post led to the recovery of two serviceable and two unserviceable locally made single-barrel guns, along with one machete.

Ayanlade said the victim is currently receiving medical attention and responding well to treatment, adding that investigators are intensifying efforts to unravel the full circumstances 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.

While commending the contributions of private security guards and the broader private security sector to the protection of lives and property, Ayanlade urged personnel in the field to remain professional, disciplined, and emotionally restrained in carrying out their duties. He stressed that security personnel are expected to exercise sound judgment at all times, avoiding situations where anger, provocation, or other emotions override the need for 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.