Protests continue in Ikorodu town in Lagos State over the killing of a commercial motorcyclist who was shot by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). One person was killed and several others were injured in the protest, which began on Tuesday.
The policeman, simply identified as Haruna, in company with two of his colleagues, Ayodele and Ismaila, had on Tuesday stormed the area to arrest violators of the State traffic law.
The deceased, who was identified as Lekan Ajayi, ws said to have been shot thrice at close range by Haruna for resisting arrest while two other persons were injured.
The protesters, who were dispersed on Tuesday, however regrouped yesterday and stormed the Sagamu Police Station, Ikorodu, demanding that the killer policeman be brought out for them, blocking the major roads in the town, wielding sticks and other weapons as they protest their comrade’s death.
Speaking on the incident, state police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said the area had been brought under control by policemen.
“It is an unfortunate incident that a life was lost but no matter what happens, we are not supposed to take laws into our hands and take to the streets to protest.
“When I spoke to the divisional police officer, I learnt that some hoodlums stormed the station in the morning, wearing charms.
“Their intention was to unleash mayhem on the police station and burn it down. Our men were finally able to disperse the crowd and they arrested one Azeez. He is currently in our custody.”
Contrary to reports, Braide said the policeman who shot Lekan acted in self-defence when the commercial motorcyclists regrouped and started beating and brutalising the police officers.
“As I talk to you, one of the police officers is currently hospitalised. He was horribly brutalised by the mob and they left him with severe injuries,” she added.
Chairman, Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association, Ladega Branch, Mr. Kayode Jimoh, however, disputed the police claim, saying only the policemen could justify the reason for shooting an unarmed man.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Abubakar Manko, however appealed to the commercial motorcyclists not to take laws into their hands. He also stressed the determination of the security agencies in the state to enforce the law on the restriction of operations of commercial motorcycles.
This is utmost wickedness, and i pray God to pass speedy judgement on u all. Cldnt he have shot his leg, or hand if truly he was acting in self defense. This goes to show the kind of training our policemen have- taking lives of innocent and unharmed citizens. We all WILL REAP THE FRUITS OF ALL OUR DOINGS rite here on earth. God bless Nigeria and those working hard 4 It’s progress.
@kemi,does dat news sound like a self defence? The police man said he resisted arrest,so u see! Its not self defence but trigger happy policeman.its a lie ngozi braide! If drs any policeman who was injured,it was after his colleague shot & killed dat okada man! Police are liars & God will continue to judge them!
4rm d look of things,i am begining 2 doubt ngozi qualification cos her level of reasoning is shallow.how can talk about self when d other party is unarmed.dont worry it will soon b ur turn.
It all lie,d guy was killed deffencelessly on tuesday and another one killed yesterday..D policeman beaten was an act of d motorist taking law into deir own hand..D guy killed is even a student.The police harassment in ikorodu is too much tanks to d governor.
I have said it before & will keep saying it. Fashola is inflicting pain on Lagosians who voted him into office as govnr. The decease according to report is a student of FUTA, trying to raise some money pending when ASUU call off strike. Nigeria will be free of criminals without the police, believe it or not Nigeria police are the robbers because they can do anything to get money from law abiding citizen whihe the suspected criminal are having feed day. How many of this killings do we hear in the North yet crime is on the increase but the police are there. Funny enough, Fashola’s wife is importing motorcycles into Lagos & it is sold for #250,000. That bike is not different from the usual Boxer. FASHOLA can’t escape God’s wrath, God can wipe him & his entire household in a split of second.