Some officials of the Oyo State Fire Services on Tuesday were beaten by a mob during a rescue operation in Ibadan, the state capital.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the officials were called for a rescue operation at a private residence located at Akingbola, Bodija in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
The cause of the incident was unknown as of press time but one of the residents (name withheld) told The PUNCH that no life was lost but several valuable items were destroyed.
He said, “Yes, we experienced a fire incident today (Tuesday) in our area at Akingbola on Bodija-Ashi road. We contacted firefighters immediately and they came around but unfortunately, their water finished halfway. We then sought self-help. Though, people did not allow them to go scot-free. They were beaten mercilessly.”
When contacted, the General Manager of the state fire services, Yemi Akinyinka confirmed the incident.
He said, “Yes. It is true. Some of our men were even wounded. We responded immediately after we received a distress call, but the water finished during the operation. But unfortunately, our men were mobbed as they were preparing to leave the scene to get more water. They did not allow them to carry our holes. The holes are still there as they were mercilessly beaten in the presence of some members of Operation Burst meant to safeguard us.
“One of them is critically wounded and currently receiving medical attention in the hospital. It is so pathetic.” He lamented.
Also contacted, one of the senior staff attached to Operation Burst, who preferred anonymity said, “You see, the question is important as the office was not aware of any incident that linked his officers to any crisis in any parts of the state, particularly in Ibadan today.”
