The Commander of a team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), ASP Sheu Magu that was reported to have been killed by rampaging Fulani herdsmen in Saki area of Oyo State lost his life in the process of disarming them.
It was gathered that the team of policemen acted on a tip-off and moved to disarm the herdsmen, who were reported to have been terrorising residents of the area by robbing and raping their women.
On sighting the Police team, the Fulani herdsmen opened fire and during the exchange of bullets, the Commander of the team, ASP Sheu Magu and another policeman lost their lives.
This latest attack took place at Ogbooro, which is about four kilometres from Saki Town.
A source informed that “the killing of Supol Sheu Magu has now made the issue the notoriety of these Fulani Herdsmen a story. Before now, attacking women especially in the evening and night robbing and raping them was not news in the area.
“The Fulani herdsmen have always been notorious for that. They use their AK-47 to guard their cattle during the day and use it to commit other activities at night.
“The late Superintendent Police officer was a very nice, gentle and well-behaved officer. He used to relate with civilians in a very civil manner. His death is very sad. With this, we believe the security operatives will take the issue of herdsmen’s attacks and robbery more serious.”
Another source said it actually started on Tuesday, when policemen visited a village to investigate a criminal charge against one of the herdsmen, but it later turned violent.
Presently “Saki is boiling now. OPC, Police and other brave people in Saki are in the bush as we speak, hunting for the herdsmen. The whole thing started when Police arrested one of the herdsmen for robbery in Saki.
“On getting to the village, the informant that led the team was reportedly attacked first and killed. One of those that escaped told us the herdsmen used their cows to surround them before attacking.”
Reacting to the incident, Oyo State Public Relations Officer, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said: “It is true that an officer of ours was murdered. We have arrested four suspects and we are already investigating them.”
By Oludotun Ajibola with additional report from vanguardng.com
