The Lagos State Police Command has restored normalcy to the Ikola axis of the state following a violent clash that left three persons dead, two others injured, and some buildings reportedly set ablaze.
According to preliminary information released by the Command, the violence began after some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded ₦200 from him.
The rider reportedly refused to pay the money, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle.
The situation reportedly escalated when the rider returned with some persons, resulting in a violent confrontation between the two groups.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said three persons were killed while two others sustained injuries during the incident.
She added that the deceased and injured persons had been taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola 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.
Adebisi said security personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, PMF, Eko Strike Force and the Violence Crime Response Unit, VCRU, had been deployed to the area.
She stated that the operatives were maintaining law and order and monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
According to her, “The situation is firmly under control, and efforts are ongoing to prevent any further escalation.”
The Police spokesperson also disclosed that the Command had commenced an investigation into the incident, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
“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,” she said.
The Police urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of heightening tension in the area.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Residents were further advised to refrain from actions capable of triggering another round of violence as security operatives continue to maintain a presence in the area.
