A member of a local vigilante group, identified as Oche Emmanuel, has lost his life after his firearm allegedly discharged accidentally in Owo, Ondo State.
The 42-year-old was reportedly on his way to his duty post along the Ipenme Road area of Owo Local Government Area when the tragic incident occurred.
Sources in the community said Emmanuel was riding a motorcycle with his firearm when his cap fell off. He was said to have made a U-turn to retrieve the cap, during which the weapon unexpectedly went off and struck him.
The gunshot reportedly left him critically injured, prompting residents and passersby to rush him to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for urgent medical attention.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the victim was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
According to him, police officers recovered the firearm and motorcycle belonging to the deceased, while his remains were deposited at the hospital's mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, had extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased over the unfortunate incident.
The police spokesperson described the development as a painful reminder of the need for strict adherence to firearm safety regulations by all authorised gun holders.
"The command wishes to emphasise the importance of responsible weapon handling and strict compliance with firearm safety protocols. Firearms must always be handled with extreme caution to prevent avoidable incidents of this nature," he said.
He added that the Ondo State Police Command would continue to promote public safety and advocate responsible firearm use across the state.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, with renewed calls for enhanced firearm safety awareness among security personnel and vigilante operatives.
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