A police officer serving in Ondo State has been fatally stabbed during an altercation in the Arakale area of Akure, the state capital.
Sources said the officer, whose name had not been released as of press time, got into a dispute with a group of individuals, which later escalated into a violent confrontation. One of the suspects allegedly stabbed him, and he later died at the hospital on Wednesday evening.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that two suspects had been taken into custody. He identified them as 25-year-old Shina Jacob and 32-year-old Felix Olalekan.
He said, “The command confirms that an incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday involving a police officer performing lawful duty in the area.
“An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response.
“Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident.
“The injured officer was rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, he sadly passed away while receiving treatment. The follow-up operation conducted last night forms part of the command’s sustained and strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety.”
Ayanlade further stated, “The command will not tolerate any form of human rights abuse by its officers, just as it will deal decisively with anyone who assaults or attacks police officers in the course of their lawful duties.”
According to him, the suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
The killing occurred just days after a mentally unstable individual reportedly murdered an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state. PUNCH had reported that the NSCDC officer was stabbed to death by a 19-year-old suspect during a struggle.
The attack adds to growing concerns about rising assaults on security personnel nationwide. A recent Ripples Nigeria analysis revealed that from 2023 to 2025, no fewer than 242 police officers were killed by criminals and non-state actors across the country.
The latest incident also follows a February 2025 crisis in Ondo State, when enraged youths allegedly set ablaze a police station in Ifon after a detainee reportedly died in custody, chasing away officers and looting property.
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