CITIZENS COMPASS—Tension on Friday, brewed along Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State following the alleged shooting of three commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders.
One of the victims was said to have died on the spot while the remaining were hospitalised.
According to eye witnesses’ accounts, some Policemen from Elemoro Division were on routine patrol to the area in the late hours of Thursday to checkmate the excesses of commercial motorcyclists.
In the process, the riders were said to have disrupted police activities by preventing the operatives from impounding commercial motorcycles.
The following day, some angry Okada riders were said to have attacked six policemen who were on a routine patrol to the area.
To escape being hurt, the policemen were said to have shot into the air to disperse their attackers but in the process, stray bullets hit three riders; one died on the spot and two were hospitalised.
This was said to have aggravated the already tensed situation as the riders were said to have barricaded the road with bon fires to demand for justice.
Human and vehicular movement in the axis were grounded for hours following the protests.
Normalcy later returned to the area following the intervention of Lagos State Police Command.
Reacting, spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement said, “The Lagos State Police Command has restored normalcy in Onosa Community in the Elemoro area of Lagos State. In the early hours of today, August 29, 2025, six officers from Elemoro Division while on routine patrol encountered an irate mob. In the course of ensuring their own safety, the officers used their firearms, resulting in three individuals sustaining injuries. The injured persons were taken to hospital for medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, promptly responded to the incident by personally leading a detachment of officers to the scene. The swift intervention led to the removal of all barricades, restoring the free flow of traffic in the affected area. CP Jimoh also moved deep into the community and engaged with youth and community leaders in the neighborhood to de-escalate tensions and foster understanding. He has further extended an invitation to these leaders for continued dialogue to address concerns and prevent future occurrences.
“The officers involved in the shooting have been taken into custody as investigations into the incident commence. The Lagos State Police Command is committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the event.
“Normalcy has been restored to the area, and significant police presence remains in place to ensure the sustenance of the restored peace and order. The Command urges residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and refrain from actions that could disrupt public safety.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress.”
