There was tension around Ring Road area of Osogbo the capital of Osun State, when policemen deployed for today’s election duties clashed and fired several gunshot as well as teargas over a misunderstanding among themselves.
Nigerian Pilot Saturday, who was briefed adequately about the incident, reported that mobile policemen (Mopol) and their counterpart from the Counter Terrorists Unit, CTU, brandished their AK47 riffles as they fought over superiority.
The fighting between the men of the two police formation caused serious tension in the area as they kept firing gunshots. The fighting occurred at the time the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba was being expected at the state police command to address his officers and men deployed for the Osun election.
Senior police officers quickly intervened and cautioned the Mopol and the CTU to conduct themselves in orderly manner. The senior police officers expressed disappointment in the conduct of their men and cautioned them against such irrational behaviour.
But while the senior policemen were trying to control the situation, some junior policemen kept firing gunshot and teargas.
Addressing the police officers and men, the IGP urged them to strive very hard to be professional in carrying out their duties.
He warned them not to engage in corrupt practices during the election.
Abba assured them of their welfare and announced that their allowances would be paid promptly.
His words “I care for you all. I don’t want you to misbehave because I don’t want to be in trouble. You must do your job well. President Jonathan has promised to continue to motivate us, if we can change those characters among us who are spoiling the name of the Nigerian Police. So, you must behave well”.
