Seven individuals are now in police custody after a fierce confrontation between rival youth groups in the Otto and Ijanikin areas along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway claimed one life.
The incident, which disrupted movement and triggered tension across the axis, was confirmed on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, moved swiftly to the troubled Otto-Ijanikin corridor, leading a combined team of police personnel and tactical units to contain the violence and restore calm after protesters barricaded the expressway.
“The road was successfully cleared and reopened to traffic at about 9:00 a.m., while normalcy has since been restored in the affected communities.
“During the clash, a man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin was shot and later died in the hospital.
“The command has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, ” she said.
Adebisi disclosed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, would head the inquiry into the fatal confrontation.
She dismissed reports suggesting that the deceased was struck by a stray bullet from police operatives.
“Preliminary findings indicate that before police intervention, both groups brought in suspected cultists who engaged in a gun duel, during which the victim was believed to have been shot.
“Seven suspects from both sides of the conflict have been apprehended and are currently in police custody.
“The suspects have made voluntary statements detailing their roles in the clash, ” she said.
The police spokesperson added that officers recovered one locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges from one of the suspects.
She further stated that anti-riot personnel and tactical teams had been deployed to sweep through the affected neighbourhoods and surrounding bushes in search of other suspects who fled the scene.
Warning against any action capable of disturbing public peace, Adebisi stressed that those found culpable would face legal consequences. She also called on parents and guardians to caution their children against participating in violent activities.
The Commissioner of Police, she added, has assured residents of their safety and urged them to continue their lawful activities without anxiety. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious movements or threats to public safety through the command’s emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
