One killed as communal crisis rocks Lagos community

 

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspects after a violent clash between youths in the Otto and Ijanikin communities along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway resulted in the death of one person.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.

She explained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, led a combined team of police personnel and tactical units to the Otto-Ijanikin corridor to restore calm after the expressway was barricaded during the disturbance.

“The road was successfully cleared and reopened to traffic at about 9:00 a.m., while normalcy has since been restored in the affected communities.

“During the clash, a man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin was shot and later died in the hospital.

“The command has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, ” she said.

According to Adebisi, the investigation will be supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.

The police spokesperson dismissed allegations that the deceased was struck by a stray bullet fired by officers.

“Preliminary findings indicate that before police intervention, both groups brought in suspected cultists who engaged in a gun duel, during which the victim was believed to have been shot.

“Seven suspects from both sides of the conflict have been apprehended and are currently in police custody.

“The suspects have made voluntary statements detailing their roles in the clash, ” she said.

Adebisi added that a locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the arrested suspects.

She further noted that tactical and anti-riot units have been deployed to sweep through the affected communities and surrounding bushes to track down other suspects who fled the scene.

The spokesperson cautioned individuals and groups against actions capable of disrupting public peace, warning that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

She also called on parents and guardians to warn their children against involvement in violent activities.

Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police has assured residents of adequate security and encouraged them to continue their lawful activities without fear.

She urged members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities that could threaten peace and security via the command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.