The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Friday personally led a joint team of operatives and tactical squads to restore order and reopen the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto-Ijanikin axis following a communal clash between youths of Ijanikin and Otto.
The expressway, which had been blocked for several hours due to the unrest, was successfully cleared and reopened to traffic at about 9:00 a.m., allowing motorists and residents to resume normal activities.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, the clash resulted in the death of one Akinyemi Omo Akin, who was reportedly shot and later died in hospital. The Commissioner of Police has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.
The Command clarified that preliminary investigations indicate the deceased did not die from a stray police bullet. It stated that prior to police arrival, reports from members of the public suggested that suspected cultists were brought in by both sides and engaged in a gun duel, during which the victim was believed to have been shot.
Seven suspects from both groups have been arrested and are currently in police custody. The suspects are said to have made voluntary statements detailing the roles they played in the clash.
Police also recovered one locally made pistol and two live cartridges from one of the suspects.
Tactical squads and anti-riot personnel have been deployed to the affected communities and surrounding areas to apprehend other fleeing suspects and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The Command warned that it will not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the peace in any part of the state and assured that those arrested will face the full weight of the law. Parents and guardians were urged to caution their wards against involvement in violence.
CP Jimoh encouraged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and called on members of the public to report suspicious activities to the Command’s emergency lines.
