Three dead as traders, landgrabbers clash in Lagos 

…Popular bizman declared wanted

CITIZENS COMPASS—Three persons were confirmed dead while an Inspector of Police was dangerously injured on Wednesday, when some traders clashed with some suspected land grabbers in the Owode-Onirin area of Lagos State.

Sequel to the violent clash, the Lagos State Police Command has declared the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, Abiodun Ariori, wanted.

According to eye witnesses’ accounts, the violence erupted over a parcel of land around the Owode-Onirin market.

Citizens Compass reports that the parcel of land has been under contention followed by a series of clashes within the past one year.

Problems started on Wednesday when the parcel of land in question was being developed by a businessman and information filtered to his opponent who mobilised some uniform men to stop the ongoing construction.

The situation later turned bloody as some street urchins were equally mobilised to the scene.

Our correspondent gathered that movement in and out of the axis was disrupted for hours as traders, residents and road users scampered for safety.

A panel beater in the Owode-Onirin market, Mutiu Aribidesi said among the casualties were traders and artisans.

Meanwhile, men of the Nigeria Police Force were able to restore normalcy.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the Command Benjamin Hundeyin, he said, “Lagos State The Lagos State Police Command swiftly responded to the recent unrest in the Owode Onirin area of Lagos State and restored normalcy, peace, law and order to the affected area.

“Consequent on the disturbance of public peace, law and order, blocking of highways and roads leading in and out of Owode Onirin Market as a result of the deadly clash between traders and land grabbers, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh personally led a combined team of Police detachment comprising personnel of the Command’s operations department, the Police Mobile Force, Rapid Response Squad, Tactical squads and Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to the affected area and normalcy was restored. The roads were reopened to traffic and people started going about their lawful businesses.

“To sustain the normalcy, the Commissioner of Police has retained the deployment of adequate police personnel at the scene of the incident to prevent resurgence of the crisis.

“During the clash between the traders and the land grabbers, three persons sustained fatal injuries and a Police Inspector was seriously injured. The three fatally injured persons were confirmed dead when they were rushed to the hospital by the Police, while the Police Inspector injured is in a critical and life-threatening condition at the hospital where he is receiving treatment.

“In the cause of preliminary investigation and prima facie evidence available, one Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, is connected to the deadly clash between the traders and the land grabbers. He is hereby declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command as all efforts to effect his arrest and bring him to justice has so far proved abortive. It is very clear that he has gone into hiding.

“The wanted suspect, Abiodun Ariori, whose photograph is attached, with last known address in Egbeda, is dark in complexion. If seen, should be arrested and handed over to the nearest police station or call the Lagos State Police Command control room on 08063299264, 09053872208, 08127155150, email: lagosstatepolicecommandikeja@gmail.com or wherever he is, he should turn himself in at the nearest police station.

“In furtherance to ensuring justice and in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, four policemen, brought in from outside Lagos State by the wanted suspected land grabber, were immediately identified and detained at the Command headquarters for orderly room trial for going on illegal duty with the wanted suspect. The outcome of the investigation into the case and the trial of the policemen will be made public. “