3 Shot Dead In Lagos Mayhem

By Cyriacus Izuekwe

Three persons reportedly lost their lives on Tuesday during a clash between the police and some residents at Ikotun, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

P.M.NEWS learnt that the victims were shot during a protest by the residents of the area over the death of another resident during a raid by some policemen from Area ‘M’ Command Idimu, Lagos.

P.M.NEWS gathered that when the police raided a hemp smoking joint in Ikoutun area, close to Ikotun market, a man identified as Ade was in the joint and on sighting the police, attempted to escape.

But when he was running, he fell down and died.

The death of the suspect led to violent protest in the area.

Sources said that hundreds of protesters reportedly mobilised themselves and went to Ikotun police station to set it ablaze. But the police quickly intervened and dispersed the protesters with tear gas.

Though a police source said there was no record of deaths during the clash, there were contrary reports.

Eye witnesses told P.M. NEWS that the police shot sporadically in the air to prevent the protesters from burning the station. And in the process, three persons died as a result of bullet wounds they sustained. Several others were also injured. The protest has caused tension in Ikotun area as traders at the market and its environs have locked their shops and fled the area.

When our correspondent visited Ikotun police  station, some policemen and APC vehicle were deployed  in front of the station to maintain law and order.

Though the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was not around to comment on the matter, sources at the station directed our reporter to Area D Command where the officers who were involved in the incident  came from.

“The policemen involved were not from Ikotun. If you want any information, go to Area ‘M’ Command,” a police source said. P.M.NEWS  learnt that the five policemen from Area ‘M’ Command that caused the fracas have been arrested and detained in the cell.