A tragic incident occurred in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, as a hit-and-run driver killed an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Idris Lawal, at a checkpoint on Iworoko Road.
The incident, which took place around 11pm on Monday at Ayemi Garage, happened during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by the police.
According to reports, the officer was struck by a white, unmarked Mercedes Benz, which sped off after the collision.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the situation as shocking, stating that “The driver didn’t even slow down; he just hit the officer and kept going.
It was a terrible sight.” Despite being quickly rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for treatment, the doctors on duty confirmed the officer dead on arrival.
The body has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue, where an autopsy is expected to be carried out.
In a memo issued internally by the Ekiti State Police Command, the tragic death of ASP Idris Lawal was confirmed, with the police stating that efforts are underway to apprehend the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
“We have launched a thorough investigation to track down the driver of the vehicle that took the life of one of our own,” said a senior officer who wished to remain anonymous.
“We urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the white Mercedes Benz involved in the incident to come forward.”
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, in a statement, expressed deep sadness over the loss of ASP Lawal and vowed that the perpetrator would be brought to justice.
“This is a painful loss to the force, and we will not rest until the person responsible is found and made to face the law,” he said. The commissioner also used the opportunity to remind drivers of the need to be cautious, especially around checkpoints.
“Drivers must exercise extreme care, particularly when approaching police checkpoints. Reckless driving will not be tolerated, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he added.
