Three remanded over alleged assault on firefighters

Three persons have been remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre for allegedly assaulting officials of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency while they were responding to a petrol tanker accident in Ibadan.

The defendants were arraigned on Tuesday before the Ejioku Magistrate’s Court on charges bordering on assault, conspiracy and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The court ordered their remand, while other suspects said to have participated in the attack remain at large. The case has been adjourned until March 12, 2026.

The incident occurred at Atari-Agbon in the Olodo area of Ibadan, following an emergency call received by the fire service at exactly 7:44 p.m. on Sunday.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Dr Moroof Akinwande, said firefighters, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Bamidele Samsudeen, were immediately mobilised to the scene to avert a possible explosion.

According to him, the team promptly commenced containment operations using chemical foam compound and other firefighting equipment to prevent ignition and ensure public safety.

He explained that the operation was professionally handled and successfully concluded without any explosion. However, the situation reportedly turned violent while officers were packing up their equipment.

“Suspected looters and hoodlums descended on the scene and began attacking our personnel with dangerous weapons such as broken bottles, stones and cutlasses,” Akinwande stated.

Several firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack, with one officer suffering a severe head injury. The agency chairman said it took nearly an hour to evacuate the injured officer due to the chaotic atmosphere created by the assailants.

He further disclosed that the first hospital approached declined to treat the critically injured officer over fears that hoodlums might invade the facility and cause damage, citing previous similar incidents. The officer was subsequently transferred to another hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.

Akinwande described the attack as unfortunate and condemnable, noting that the firefighters were performing their statutory duty to safeguard lives and property.

The matter was reported at Iyana Ofa Police Station, leading to the arrest and arraignment of three suspects.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have taken part in the assault.

Three remanded over alleged assault on firefighters