Police shoot three, as huge protest erupts in Lagos community
A huge protest erupted at Onosa community in Elemoro, Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State on Friday, after officers of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly shot three bike man yet to be identified.
According to an Instagram video posted by The Nationtv the victims were allegedly shot over disagreements on bribery levies, popularly known in local parlance as ‘roger’.
In the video, one could observe the heightened atmosphere dominated by a riotous crowd and huge fumes of smoke erupting from bonfires along Lekki-Epe expressway.
In another video seen on X (formerly Twitter) a protester said the incident happened on Thursday night when police officers reportedly attempted to seize motorcycles from the riders, alleging that a victim died after being shot by the policemen.
“The police officers attempted to seize their motorcycles, but the riders resisted. In the process, the officers opened fire, killing one of the bike men instantly,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, reacting via his X account said that the Commissioner of Police led a team of officers to the scene to restore normalcy in the area.
“The hitherto blocked roads on Lekki-Epe expressway have been opened! Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a detachment of police officers and dislodged the barricades.
“Traffic is now moving. CP Jimoh is currently holding talks with youth and community leaders to ensure the sustenance of the restored normalcy,” Hundeyin wrote.
Hundeyin, in a statement shared with reporters, stated that six officers from Elemoro Division while on routine patrol encountered an irate mob.
In the course of ensuring their safety, the officers used firearms, resulting in three individuals sustaining injuries, adding that the injured persons were taken to hospital for medical attention.
“The swift intervention led to the removal of all barricades, restoring the free flow of traffic in the affected area. CP Jimoh also moved deep into the community and engaged with youth and community leaders in the neighborhood to de-escalate tensions and foster understanding. He has further extended an invitation to these leaders for continued dialogue to address concerns and prevent future occurrences.
“The officers involved in the shooting have been taken into custody as investigations into the incident commence. The Lagos State Police Command is committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the event.
“Normalcy has been restored to the area, and significant police presence remains in place to ensure the sustenance of the restored peace and order. The Command urges residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and refrain from actions that could disrupt public safety. Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress,” Hundeyin added.
