Communal clash: Lagos CP leads team to restore normalcy at Oto-Ijanikin

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a joint team of police operatives and tactical squads to restore normalcy and reopen the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Oto-Ijanikin axis following a communal clash between youths of Ijanikin and Otto.

According to a statement by the Command Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the expressway, which had been blocked for several hours on Saturday, was reopened to traffic by 9:00 a.m., with residents of the affected communities resuming their daily activities peacefully.

The clash reportedly resulted in the death of one Akinyemi Omo Akin, who was admitted to a hospital. Preliminary investigations indicated that the victim did not die from stray bullets fired by the Police, but was likely shot during the gun duel between rival groups, which included cultist elements, before law enforcement arrived on the scene.

“The incident involved both sides bringing in firearms and engaging in a shootout,” the statement noted, emphasizing that police intervention was aimed at restoring order and protecting lives.

In response, CP Jimoh ordered a full-scale investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (Panti), while deploying additional personnel across the affected communities to prevent further disturbances.

Seven suspects from both communities have been arrested in connection with the clash. Investigations revealed the various roles they played, and law enforcement recovered one locally made pistol and two live cartridges from one suspect. Police tactical squads and anti-riot units continue combing the area and surrounding bushes to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

The Lagos State Command has warned all troublemakers and their sponsors that any acts threatening public peace will not be tolerated, adding that the full weight of the law will be applied to those arrested. Parents and guardians were urged to guide their wards away from violence.

CP Jimoh encouraged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and to report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.