The Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a hit-and-run driver who allegedly killed two police operatives along the Osogbo/Gbongan road in Oogi community, Osun State.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when the officers, identified simply as Kehinde and Tobi, were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle before they were rammed by a Lexus vehicle whose driver fled immediately after the crash.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the police had recovered both the Lexus car and the motorcycle involved in the accident.
“The two police operatives were travelling on a motorcycle when they got hit. One Lexus car hit them. Kehinde and Tobi are the two operatives involved,” Ojelabi said.
According to him, the driver abandoned the vehicle at the scene and escaped before security operatives arrived.
“We have launched probe into the accident, and we are tracking the driver of the car. The vehicle and motorcycle involved have been recovered and taken to station,” he added.
Police authorities said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident and identify the fleeing driver.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over reckless driving and rising cases of fatal hit-and-run accidents on major roads across Osun State and other parts of the country.
Residents in Oogi community described the crash as devastating, noting that the officers were reportedly on official movement before the accident occurred.
Sources familiar with the development said sympathisers and local residents rushed to the scene shortly after the collision, but the officers succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Ojelabi further disclosed that one of the deceased officers had already been buried according to Islamic rites, while funeral arrangements for the second officer were still ongoing.
The Osogbo/Gbongan road has witnessed multiple road accidents in recent years, with motorists and commuters repeatedly calling for stricter traffic enforcement and improved road safety monitoring.
Police authorities assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing driver and ensure prosecution in line with the law.
