Palpable tension enveloped the agrarian, ldoani community, Ose council area, Ondo state, as some naval officers allegedly went on a rampage following the murder of their colleague by suspected hoodlums.
Reports from the community said that naval officers are in search of the alleged killer of one of them and have vowed to avenge the murder of their colleague following which the residents scampered for safety.
Credible News reports that youths in the community have fled to neighbouring communities for fear of indiscriminate arrest by the military officers.
An anonymous source said many male adults have fled the town, while shops and markets could not open on Tuesday for fear of possible arrest.
The source explained that some hoodlums in the town attacked the deceased after he had an argument with a commercial motorcyclist, also known as an Okada rider.
Credible News gathered that the naval officer had mistakenly splashed water on a passenger on a motorcycle while driving and trying to avoid some potholes on the road.
He parked his car, alighted and apologized to the motorcyclist identified as Ayo, who allegedly commands the thugs in the community. He, however, refused to listen to all the pleas from the officer.
Ayo had sent words to hoodlums in the town who later invaded the scene and they reportedly attacked the officer. He was hit with an iron rod on his head, following which he lost consciousness.
After the attack, the late naval officer was rushed to the hospital in the town, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor.
The okada rider has been apprehended and handed over to police in the town, while one of the thugs who hit the deceased with the iron had taken to his heel to avoid being arrested.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami pleaded for time to get the details of the incident from the Police Divisional Station in ldoani.
