18 arrested as hoodlums hijack Lagos power outage protest

The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested 18 suspects after hoodlums hijacked a protest over a power outage and attempted to attack a commercial bank at the Tejuosho Market.

The command’s swift response, aided by mobile policemen and tactical teams, restored normalcy to the market

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, in a statement, said the disturbance began around 2:30 p.m. when protesters turned violent, attacking unsuspecting citizens and targeting a commercial bank in the area.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reiterates that violent attacks on police personnel and destruction of property will not be tolerated,” the statement quoted. “He hereby advises Lagosians to show utmost respect to the police personnel in the discharge of their responsibility of protecting lives and property.”

According to the command, mobile policemen on guard at the bank repelled the attackers before reinforcements, including anti-riot squads and tactical units, were deployed to disperse the mob.

The suspects are now in custody, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend others connected to the incident.

The police assured residents that peace had been restored to the market and urged traders and customers to go about their activities without fear.

The arrests come amid ongoing security operations across Lagos. On September 12, the command said its operatives arrested two suspected cultists with a firearm in Akoka, even as it dismissed reports that three people were killed in a clash in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki.

Recent cult-related violence in parts of the state has claimed no fewer than five lives.