A policeman serving in Ondo State has reportedly been stabbed to death in the Arakale area of Akure, the state capital.
It was gathered that the deceased, whose identity was yet to be revealed at the time of filing this report, had an altercation with some individuals in the area.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a fight, during which one of the suspects allegedly stabbed him.
He later died at the hospital on Wednesday evening.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Thursday, saying two persons had been arrested in connection with the attack.
According to the police spokesman, the suspects are Shina Jacob, 25, and Felix Olalekan, 32.
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.”
The PPRO added, “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.”
Ayanlade further stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The incident comes a few days after a mentally deranged man reportedly killed an officer of the state command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The PUNCH reports that the deceased was allegedly stabbed to death by a 19-year-old suspect during a struggle between them.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of alarming nationwide statistics showing that police officers themselves are increasingly being targeted by criminals and non‑state actors. According to a recent report by Ripples Nigeria, covering 2023–2025, about 242 officers were slain across the country by such groups.
The incident comes just months after a disturbing event in February 2025 in the same state, when irate youths reportedly set a police station on fire in Ifon town after an alleged death of a detainee in police custody. In that event, youths chased away officers, razed the station, and looted property.
Credit: punchng.com
