ILORIN, Nigeria – The Nigerian Correctional Services in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State in north-central Nigeria, is grappling with the aftermath of an alarming incident where an individual overpowered a prison officer and shot a bystander.
The incident, which unfolded in the busy Okekura area of Ilorin on Friday, March 8, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about security and the handling of firearms.
The assailant, identified as 28-year-old Kazeem Adam from Ita Ogunbo, reportedly went on a rampage early Friday morning.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Adam was seen damaging Keke vehicles, smashing windscreens with a knife and stones, before escalating his attack on a Correctional Service bus.
It was during this confrontation that Adam engaged with ASC Ismail Kabir, an officer at the Oke-Kura prison, resulting in a violent struggle that would have dire consequences.
ASC Kabir sustained severe injuries during the altercation, including wounds to his head and hand, inflicted by Adam.
In the chaos that ensued, a firearm carried by the officer was accidentally discharged, striking Abdullahi Ayinla, a vulcaniser who was inadvertently caught in the crossfire.
Both Ayinla and ASC Kabir were quickly transported to local hospitals, where they are reported to be recovering from their injuries.
The rapid response of the police, particularly officers from the nearby ‘C’ Division at Oja-Oba, led to the swift apprehension of Adam.
Meanwhile, the community remains in shock, trying to process the sudden and violent nature of the incident.
Eyewitnesses described Adam’s behaviour prior to the altercation as erratic, with reports of him hurling stones at people and their businesses, instilling fear and uncertainty among residents and shop owners.
Adegbulugbe Philip, the public relations officer of the State Command of the Correctional Centre, provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting.
