The Lagos State Police Command has restored calm in the Ikola axis of the state following a violent confrontation that left three people dead and two others injured on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Lagos State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebesi, the command deployed personnel from various tactical and specialised units to the area to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation of the violence.
PUNCH Online reports that the clash, which also led to some buildings being set ablaze, broke out after some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded ₦200 from him.
The rider reportedly refused to pay, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle. He later returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.
The deceased and injured persons were subsequently taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures, according to the police.
“Preliminary information indicates that trouble started when some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded the sum of ₦200. The rider reportedly refused to pay, following which the tricycle was allegedly seized by the group.
“The rider subsequently returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups. Sadly, three (3) persons were reportedly killed, while two (2) others sustained injuries. Some buildings were also reportedly set ablaze during the ensuing violence”, the statement partly read.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, accompanied by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
The police said operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Task Force, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, Eko Strike Force and the Violence and Cultism Response Unit had been deployed to the area.
“Operatives of the Command comprising personnel of the RRS, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, PMF, Eko Strike Force, and VCRU have been deployed to the area and are currently maintaining law and order. The situation is firmly under control, and efforts are ongoing to prevent any further escalation”, the statement continued.
The command said it had commenced an investigation into the incident and would ensure that anyone found culpable faced the full weight of the law.
“The Command has commenced an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of the law”, it added.
The police urged residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation. It also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation. Residents are also encouraged to provide the Police with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation”, the statement concluded.