The Police in Lagos has narrated the deadly clash with Yoruba Nation agitators at Ojota on Monday.
There is palpable tension in and around the area after the demonstrators confronted security agents.
A young man was lifeless in a photo posted on Twitter. Another is feared dead while others are injured.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin issued a statement on the bloody fracas.
“Miscreants masquerading as Yoruba Nation Agitators” came out in their hundreds, disrupting social and commercial activities at Ojota”, the PRO noted.
He said in response, officers from Alausa Division and the Raid Respond Squad (RRS) stepped in to disperse the unlawful gathering and prevent a breakdown of law and order. “The miscreants attacked the police, shooting, and destroying two vehicles in the process.
“One person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment. Four suspects have been arrested and investigations have commenced.”
Hundeyin vowed that the Lagos State Police Command would not allow any person or group of persons to disrupt the peace in Lagos.
It is unclear if the deceased was hit by a stray bullet or targeted by security agents.
“They shot teargas and guns at us. They have killed one person, this is Ojota”, a protester screamed in a video.
One Toyota Hilux, reportedly driven by the police, was set on fire. There were also bonfires on the road.
a twitter source says “TWO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REPORTED KILLED BY THE NIGERIAN POLICE AT THE YORUBA NATION OJOTA PEACEFUL MEGA RALLY TODAY 9TH JANUARY, 2023. IT WAS MEANT TO BE PEACEFUL!!!
The Lagos State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed that one person died in the unrest that happened in the Ojota area of the state in the early hours of Monday.
It was reported that the Yoruba Nation agitators had gathered to rally in Ojota earlier today, during which an unrest occurred.
“In the early hours of today, miscreants masquerading as Yoruba Nation agitators came out in their hundreds, disrupting social and commercial activities at Ojota area of the State.
“A team of police officers, comprising Alausa Division and the Raid Respond Squad promptly stepped in to disperse the unlawful gathering and prevent a breakdown of law and order. The miscreants attacked the police, shooting, and destroyed two vehicles in the process.
“One person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment. Four suspects have been arrested and investigations have commenced.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored to the area. Lagosians are urged to go about their lawful businesses as measures have been put in place to prevent further breakdown of law and order; and keen monitoring of the situation continues.