Photos: 31-year-old man drowns during police raid in Abeokuta

A 31-year-old artisan identified as Gafar Ajibola, drowned in Ogun River during a police raid on Oniyanrin community in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state, in the early hours of Saturday October 29th. According to eyewitnesses, Gafar was at the river washing his clothes when the police stormed there in search of hoodlums.

The police began shooting sporadically, causing Gafar to jump into the river out ‎of fear. An uncle of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Tribune, said his family will demand justice over the death of Gafar.

“This is an unfortunate situation. My brother was not a criminal. He was at the river bank to wash his clothes. He jumped into the river out of fear following heavy shooting by the police. We launched a search after his body until we found it Saturday night. We are demanding justice in this case. We are going to take legal step against the police on this matter.”

Confirming the incident, the state police public relations officer, Aimola Oyeyemi, said:

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that a powerful investigation be launched to unravel the culpability or otherwise of its men. The men were just on routine operational duty of providing residents adequate security. The case is under investigation, the police are in the place to ensure safety of life and property.”