Four killed as police, tricycle riders clash in Lagos

Four people were reportedly killed yesterday, in a clash between the police and tricycle riders in Abule-Egba area of Lagos State. The Guardian learnt that trouble started when an unidentified police officer allegedly stabbed a tricycle operator at Ile Iwe bus stop, Abule-Egba, Lagos, which led to a reprisal attack by the riders.  
 
Eyewitness reports revealed that chaos began after a tricycle operator was killed for refusing to give a “N100 bribe” to an officer.
 
According to eyewitnesses,  police officers during the clash allegedly shot three people including  a 16-year-old apprentice, who was hit by a stray bullet.
 
He said: “An unidentified police officer allegedly stabbed a tricycle operator in the process, followed by a reprisal attack by the riders.”
 
Reacting to the incident, Adekunle Ajisebutu, the spokesperson of the police in Lagos, said patrol teams have been sent to the area to restore normalcy.
 
He said he was yet to get the details of the alleged killing.
 
“The CP has dispatched adequate Police patrol teams to maintain law and order there. No cause for alarm. 
 
“As soon as I get details of the incident, I will react,” Ajisebutu said. At press time, the police is yet to confirm the identify of the affected officer.