Pandemonium over alleged killing of police officer in Lagos

• Two suspects arrested, 41 motorcycles impounded, says PPRO

There was pandemonium, yesterday, when commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders attacked and allegedly killed a police officer at Cele Bus Stop, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

The irate motorcyclists also carted away three rifles taken from police operatives.

The Guardian learnt that shortly after the officer was murdered, the Okada operators, numbering about 100, ran towards Mile 2 side of the expressway.

It was said that the riders were brandishing cutlasses, daggers, big sticks and other weapons.

A petty trader at the scene of the incident, described the confrontation as a revenge.

She alleged that the police had, few days ago, murdered a commercial motorcyclist around the area and the operators re-enforced to take revenge.

The trader stressed that a policewoman had earlier escaped being lynched before the incident.

According to her, the policemen pursued the motorcyclists to Ijesha Bus Stop before they were overpowered and one of them was killed, while two rifles were takem away during the fracas.

She added that there was calm after security agents fired several tear gas canisters.

Contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that an officer was killed in the incident, but could not said anything about the rifles.

He said: “While enforcing the existing ban on the use of motorcycles in parts of Lagos State, police officers of Isolo Division came under attack from motorcycle operators at Cele bus-stop, resulting in the death of one Police Inspector and serious injury to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

“Two suspects have been arrested while 41 motorcycles were impounded. The Lagos State Police Command will not be deterred from carrying out its mandate of enforcing duly established laws.

“Citizens are urged to remain law-abiding, as riders and passengers alike arrested on prohibited routes will face the law.

“Above all, any form of attack on Police Officers will no longer be tolerated.”