A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, July 23, 2023, when an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Ondo State Police Command lost his life in a heart-wrenching hit-and-run accident. The incident occurred at a checkpoint along the Benin-Owo Expressway in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
According to eyewitness accounts, the brave officer valiantly attempted to stop a vehicle, but the driver showed utter disregard for human life and callously struck the ASP, causing his immediate death. The driver shamelessly fled the scene without stopping to offer any assistance.
The tragic event sent shockwaves through the highway, and fellow officers promptly responded upon receiving the distress call. Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the devastating incident and dispelled initial reports suggesting the officer's death was linked to suspected kidnappers. Instead, she clarified that it was an undeniable case of a hit-and-run.
Mrs. Odunlami stated, “A suspected vehicle, while the police were trying to stop the driver, he didn’t stop. So, our officers were alerted on the highway, but on getting to a particular place around Ifon, the driver swerved and hit an ASP, and the officer died immediately.”
Amidst the sorrow and grief, there was a glimmer of hope as the driver responsible for this heinous act was pursued and apprehended by military personnel in Sobe, Edo State. The suspect is now in custody and will be held accountable for this senseless tragedy.