By Peter Dansu Tension gripped the Otto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway on Saturday as a violent communal clash between youths of I...
By Peter Dansu
Tension gripped the Otto-Ijanikin axis of the Badagry Expressway on Saturday as a violent communal clash between youths of Ijanikin and Otto brought traffic to a standstill and left one person dead.
The crisis forced the temporary shutdown of the busy expressway for several hours before the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, led a joint team of operatives and tactical squads to the troubled area to restore order.
Police authorities confirmed that normalcy was restored and the expressway reopened to traffic at about 9 am, allowing stranded commuters and motorists to continue their journeys.
In the aftermath of the violence, one individual identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin was allegedly shot and later died at a hospital. The incident has since sparked claims within the community that the deceased may have been hit by a stray police bullet.
However, the Lagos State Police Command dismissed the allegation, insisting that officers were alerted to a gun duel between rival groups and suspected cultists before police arrived at the scene. According to the command, the victim was believed to have been shot during the exchange of gunfire among the warring factions.
The CP has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. The probe will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, Yaba, to unravel the circumstances surrounding the clash and the fatal shooting.
Seven suspects from both communities have so far been arrested and are currently in police custody. Authorities disclosed that the suspects have made voluntary statements detailing their roles in the violence. A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from one of the suspects during the operation.
Police tactical squads and anti-riot personnel have since been deployed to the area and adjoining bushes to comb for fleeing suspects and prevent any resurgence of hostilities.
The command issued a stern warning to individuals and alleged sponsors of violence, declaring that it would not tolerate any breach of peace in the state. It assured residents that all those found culpable would be made to face the full weight of the law.
Residents of Ijanikin, Otto and surrounding communities have been urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movement to the police emergency lines as security agencies maintain a strong presence in the area.
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