The Lagos State Police Command has restored calm in the Ikola community, located in the Alimosho axis of the state following a violent confrontation that left three people dead and two others injured on Thursday.
According
to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command’s Police Public
Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, 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.
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.
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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.



















