Seven arrested, one dead in Lagos communal clash

By Deborah Akpede

Police have confirmed one person dead and arrest of seven suspects following a violent communal clash between some youths in the Otto and Ijanikin communities on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos State

Mr Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos Police Commissioner personally led a joint team of police operatives and tactical squads to the Otto-Ijanikin axis to restore order after the expressway was blocked during the unrest, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

She said 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 her, the probe will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.

Adebisi refuted claims that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet from police 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.

The image maker said that one locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects.

She said that tactical squads and anti-riot officers had been deployed to comb the affected communities and adjoining bushes in a bid to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

The spokesperson warned individuals and groups against acts capable of breaching public peace, stressing that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

She urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against engaging in violence.

Adebisi said that the CP has reassured residents of their safety and encouraged them to go about their lawful activities without fear.

She urged residents of the area to report any suspicious persons or activities capable of threatening public peace and security through the command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.

(NAN)