By Taiye Joseph
Two persons were feared killed in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday when a bus belonging to the Nigeria Correctional Service ( NSC) rammed into commercial motorcycle operators and traders, at the popular Oja Oba market in the city.
The NCS bus was said to be conveying some inmates to court when it veered off the road and rammed into a group of traders and commercial motorcycle operators at the market.
While five of the victims were crushed by the bus at Oja Oba market, it crushed one other person on along Niger Road while the driver was trying to escape mob attack.
However, the NCS , in its reaction blamed the accident on some hoodlums who it said attempted to free inmate in old Ilorin custodial centre.
The Service stated this in a statement issued and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, Kwara State Command, SC Adegbulugbe Philip Olumide.
It said the custodial vehicles were conveying high profile inmates, which included, AbdulAzeez Adegbola (Tani Olohun) to court when the hoodlums attacked them.
The statement said : “Today, 19th of October 2023, at about 09:14am, some hoodlums in a premeditated move at Ọja Oba roundabout boisterously made a tumultuous attempt to break into the convoy of the custodial vehicles conveying high profile inmates, which include, AbdulAzeez Adegbola (Tani Olohun) to the court.
“This resulted in a pandemonium which saw the Correctional vehicle damaged, shattered and battered.
“These obviously led to injuries sustained by both Okada riders and some of the custodial personnel.
“Two of the custodial vehicles which managed to secure their passage was again waylaid and attacked at Niger road Junction.
“The personnel of the Correctional service were able to manoeuvre their way to the court.
However, those who sustained injuries have been moved to the hospital for medical attention and are responding to treatment. NO LIVE WAS LOST SO FAR.
“The Nigerian correctional service appreciate all the sister agencies for synergy demonstrated, we also assure the public of harmonious relationship at all times.”
Confirming the incident, Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi said normalcy has been restored at the areas where the protest took place.
He said police would take necessary steps to ensure justice is done to those affected in the incident.(vitalnewsngr.com)
