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Families Demand Answers as Five Osun State Officers Remain Missing After Eight Months

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 19th, 2024.

Families Demand Answers as Five Osun State Officers Remain Missing After Eight Months

The families of five police officers from the Osun State Command are expressing their frustration and concern as their loved ones have been unaccounted for for eight months following a special operation in Abia State.

According to reports, six officers from the Anti-Robbery Unit of the State Criminal Investigations Department were deployed to Abia on February 12, 2024, to investigate an armed robbery case, having tracked a suspect to the area.

The officers, five men and one woman, stopped for the night at a hotel in Asaba, Delta State, before continuing their journey the following day, as reported by the families of three of the officers. Tragically, during their travel to Abia, they were ambushed by gunmen, with one officer managing to escape.

Since that incident, the families have received no information about the missing officers, nor have the bodies been recovered. A civilian driver accompanying them has also been reported missing.

In an interview, Adekonipekun, the husband of Adepimpe Ayowole, the only female officer, accused the police of negligence. He stated that there has been no contact from the police since the families were first informed of the situation.

“My wife, Adepimpe Ayowole, with Force Number 068986, went on this special operation. I last spoke with her around 8 a.m. on February 13, and since then, I have been unable to reach her. We learned they were attacked,” he explained. “Since the initial briefing by a deputy police commissioner, there have been no updates, no visits, or calls from the police. It feels like they are trying to sweep this under the rug.”

Funmilola Egundeyi, the wife of one of the missing officers, Paul Egundeyi, also voiced her anguish. She criticized the police for their lack of transparency and support.

“I spoke with my husband around 7 a.m. the day after the attack, but by 10 a.m. he was unreachable. The deputy commissioner informed us later that they had been attacked. I heard from another officer’s wife that three officers were killed. I frequently visit the police headquarters, but they only tell me there are no updates. My life and that of our two children have become unbearable.”

Similarly, Balkisi Durosaro, wife of another missing officer, Jimoh Fatiu, shared her disappointment. “I learned about the incident from my husband’s brother, who is also in the police force. Since then, I haven’t heard anything official from the police. I was not included in any meetings at the command, and no one has informed me about what happened to my husband. Life has been tough, but I hold on to hope that he is alive and will return.”

When approached for comments, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, directed inquiries to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. However, Adejobi did not respond to messages or calls.