Apprehension gripped the agrarian community of Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday over the killing of a naval officer in the town by suspected hoodlums.
Following the death of the military personnel, naval officers stormed the community to apprehend those involved in the killing of their colleague.
According to sources, when the naval officers arrived in the community in large numbers, tension heightened as traders hurriedly closed their shops, leaving the marketplaces deserted.
The development was said to have led to the youths of the community fleeing the community due to fear of arrest. Allegedly, colleagues of the deceased officer had threatened to avenge his death.
According to a community source, the naval officer was driving along the road when he splashed water on a passenger riding a motorcycle while attempting to avoid potholes.
The officer was said to have parked and apologised to the motorcyclist, who is known to have influence over a group of thugs in the area.
However, the motorcyclist, identified as Ayo, refused to accept the officer’s apology.
Subsequently, Ayo called on some hoodlums from the community, who came to the scene and struck the naval officer on the head with an iron rod, rendering him unconscious.
The officer was rushed to a hospital in the town but was confirmed dead on arrival by a doctor.
The police spokesperson in the state, Deputy Superintendent Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya promised to find out the details of the incident.
