The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, on Saturday personally led a joint team of operatives and tactical squads to restore order and reopen the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto-Ijanikin axis following a violent communal clash.
The expressway had been blocked for several hours after youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities engaged in a confrontation that disrupted traffic and commercial activities. Police authorities confirmed that the road was successfully cleared and reopened to motorists at about 9:00 a.m., with normalcy restored to the affected areas.
During the clash, a man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin was reportedly shot and later died in hospital. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.
Police authorities dismissed claims that the deceased was killed by a stray bullet from officers, describing the allegation as incorrect. According to preliminary findings, police received distress calls indicating that both groups had allegedly enlisted cultists who engaged in a gun duel before security operatives arrived at the scene. The victim is believed to have been shot during the exchange of gunfire.
Seven suspects from both sides have been arrested and are currently in police custody. Investigators said the suspects have made voluntary statements detailing the roles they allegedly played in the clash. A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects.
Security has been intensified in the area, with tactical squads and anti-riot policemen deployed to comb surrounding communities and bushes in a bid to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Lagos State Police Command warned that it would not tolerate acts capable of breaching public peace and assured that those arrested would face the full weight of the law. Parents and guardians were also urged to caution their children and wards against involvement in violence or activities that threaten lives and property.
Residents were encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear and to report suspicious movements or threats to public safety through the command’s emergency lines.