Seven Arrested as Lagos CP Reopens Lagos-Badagry Expressway After Communal Clash
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, on Friday personally led a joint team of operatives to restore order and reopen the Lagos-Badagry Expressway following a violent communal clash between youths in the Otto and Ijanikin communities.
The clash, which erupted at the Otto-Ijanikin axis, led to the temporary blockage of the busy expressway, disrupting vehicular movement for several hours. However, police authorities confirmed that the road was successfully cleared and reopened to traffic at about 9:00 a.m., with normalcy restored in the affected areas.
Police said seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while one locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects. The suspects, drawn from both sides of the divide, are currently in custody and have reportedly made voluntary statements detailing their roles in the clash.
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During the confrontation, a resident identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin was allegedly shot and later died in hospital. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The probe will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
Preliminary findings by the police dismissed claims that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet fired by officers. According to the Command, distress calls received before police intervention indicated that both factions had invited suspected cultists who engaged in a gun duel, during which the victim was believed to have been shot.
To prevent a resurgence of violence, massive deployment of tactical squads and anti-riot personnel has been effected in the communities. Security operatives are also combing adjoining areas and surrounding bushes in a manhunt for fleeing suspects linked to the unrest.
The Lagos State Police Command warned that it would not tolerate any action capable of breaching public peace in any part of the state, stressing that the full weight of the law would be applied to those arrested.
Parents and guardians were urged to caution their children and wards against involvement in acts that threaten lives and property, while residents were encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or activities through its emergency lines.
By PRNigeria
