Okada riders on the rampage kill police officer, injure DPO in Lagos
Unidentified motorcyclists protesting the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations in the Cele-Ijesha region of Lagos State killed a police officer on Wednesday.
Ejes Gist News Nigeria reports that During the conflict, the motorcyclists reportedly injured a Divisional Police Officer who was part of the team enforcing the ban in the neighbourhood.
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During the enforcement on Wednesday at 11 a.m., it was discovered that the police officers stopped a motorcyclist travelling along the Mile 2-Cele axis.
In an effort to seize the motorcycle, the motorcyclist resisted, and other motorcyclists who witnessed the incident intervened to support their colleague, resulting in a confrontation with the police officers.
An eyewitness, who did not wish to have his name published for security reasons, told our correspondent that during the clash, one of the police officers attempted to use his gun to scare away the motorcyclist and his colleagues, and that the motorcyclists allegedly overpowered and killed the police officer.
The eyewitness stated, “The police officers were attempting to apprehend one of the motorcyclists who shuttled between the areas of Cele-Ijesha and Mile 2.” Other motorcyclists demanded the release of their colleague’s motorcycle while he was resisting arrest.
“When the officers refused and attempted to drive the motorcyclists away, they refused to yield and prevented the officers from leaving the scene. Then, a police officer attempted to scare them away with his gun, but they overpowered and killed him.”
Another eyewitness, identified only as Dehinde, stated that the police officers fled the scene hastily after realising that one of their colleagues had been killed.
“As soon as the officer was killed, his fleeing colleagues called for reinforcements, but by the time they returned, the motorcyclists had fled,” he said. They were also observed carrying various weapons as they fled the scene of the conflict.”
The conflict caused tension in the area as commuters and merchants fled for their lives.
Prior to the confrontation that resulted in the policeman’s death, it was learned that a joint team of police and military personnel had, during a raid, seized motorcycles from motorcyclists operating in the area despite a ban on such activity.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police’s public relations officer, responded to the news by stating that two suspects had been arrested and 41 motorcycles had been impounded.
He stated, “While enforcing the existing ban on the use of motorcycles in certain areas of Lagos State, police officers from the Isolo Division were attacked by motorcyclists at the Cele Bus-Stop, resulting in the death of an Inspector and the serious injury of the Divisional Police Officer.”
“Two suspects have been apprehended, and 41 motorcycles have been seized. The Lagos State Police Command will not be deterred from enforcing established laws.
Also, people should stop spreading false information, as no firearm was stolen during the attack.
“Citizens are urged to abide by the law, as both riders and passengers arrested on prohibited routes will be prosecuted.
Above all, attacks on police officers will no longer be tolerated.
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