A 42-year-old vigilante member, identified as Oche Emmanuel, has died after his firearm allegedly discharged accidentally while he was travelling to his duty post in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The tragic incident occurred along the Ipenme Road axis of Owo, where the deceased was reportedly heading on a motorcycle with his service weapon.
Sources in the community said Emmanuel was en route to his assigned post when his cap fell off while riding.
He was said to have made a U-turn in an attempt to retrieve it when the firearm in his possession suddenly discharged.
The gunshot reportedly struck him, leaving him critically injured.
Concerned residents immediately rushed the victim to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for urgent medical attention. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had recovered the firearm and motorcycle involved in the incident.
According to him, the deceased’s remains have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre pending further procedures.
Jimoh said, “Following the incident, members of the public quickly transported the victim to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for treatment, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.
“The firearm and motorcycle belonging to the deceased have been recovered and secured by the police, while the body has been deposited at the FMC mortuary for preservation and autopsy.”
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, had expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
He noted that the unfortunate incident underscored the need for strict adherence to firearm safety measures by all licensed gun holders and security personnel.
Jimoh urged authorised users of firearms to exercise maximum caution in handling weapons to prevent avoidable loss of lives, stressing that responsible firearm management remained essential to public safety.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safety and ensuring compliance with proper firearm handling practices across the state.