Tragedy struck in Igbesa, Ogun State, as a police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, reportedly ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The officer was stationed at a ceramics company as part of a security detail when the unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday.
The incident was uncovered by another officer, Tolorunloju Stephen, from the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos. According to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, Stephen had just returned from Ikeja around 1:20 p.m. when he found Oloyede resting his head on a table inside the security office. Upon inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede assured him that everything was fine.
Stephen then placed his bag and service pistol on the table before stepping into the restroom. However, within moments, a gunshot echoed through the premises. Alarmed, Stephen rushed back to find Oloyede lying motionless in a pool of blood.
Private security personnel on duty quickly assisted in rushing the wounded officer to Ota General Hospital, but despite their efforts, the attending doctor pronounced him dead.
Odutola confirmed that police officers later arrived at the scene to recover the deceased officer’s pistol, while arrangements were made to transfer his body to Ota General Hospital for an autopsy. She also stated that Oloyede’s family had been notified of the tragic development.
The case has now been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, where further investigations will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
Authorities have urged officers to seek mental health support when experiencing distress, emphasizing the importance of psychological well-being within the police force. Meanwhile, colleagues and community members have expressed their shock and sadness over the incident, calling for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding mental health and workplace stress among law enforcement officers, raising questions about the availability of adequate support systems within the force.
