uncommon restraint and professionalism in the face of unprovoked attack
as shown in a viral video where a woman identified as Kehinde Afolake
was seen assaulting him unchallenged and without retaliation, while he
was carrying out the COVID-19 enforcement duties at Gbolagunte, Okeola
area of Eruwa, Ibarapa, Oyo State on 1st May, 2020.
A statement signed by Force Spokesman Frank Mba said, “the officer, like
a lamb being led to the slaughter, did not fight back but rather,
maintained absolute calm, patience and decorum even as the woman rough
handled him and slapped him severally.
“The said woman also assaulted two female police officers, Inspr. Ojola
Abiola and Inspr. Queen Eguaoje and gave one of them human bite on
Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 during an attempt to invite her to the Police
Station for the earlier incident of serious assault on the DCO. The
Ewura incident thus is a classic example of unprovoked, unwarranted and
unnecessary attacks faced by police officers in the course of performing
their legitimate duties. The IGP therefore warns that this trend will no
longer be tolerated by the Force.
“The IGP notes that since the commencement of the COVID-19 enforcement
duties, a total of 27 police personnel have suffered series of attacks
and assaults from members of the public at different times and different
locations. Many of these officers, he reiterates are still in hospitals
receiving treatment from the injuries sustained during such attacks.
These include a female police officer, PC Ngozi Nkem, in Agbor, Delta
State who was seriously assaulted when a police team was dispersing a
group of persons holding a birthday party in clear disobedience to the
social restrictions and distancing orders.
“Apart from the attack on the person of police officers, some of these
citizens have equally carried out attacks on police assets and
facilities. For example, two (2) police stations and police quarters
were attacked and burnt down in Katsina and Abia States while fifteen
(15) police vehicles/motorcycles were also damaged.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command
to carry out a discreet investigation into the Ewura attack on the
police officers and ensure that justice is done.
“The IGP enjoins the citizens to continue to cooperate with the police
and other security personnel and voluntarily comply with all COVID-19
prevention orders. He reiterates that the Force shall continue to hold
officers accountable and mete out commensurate punishments on any
personnel who violate the rights of the citizens. He however warns
against any unprovoked attack and assault on police officers while in
the course of their duties as perpetrators will be made to face the full
wrath of the law.”