Lagos Police Operation Turns Deadly: Two Innocent Passersby Fatally Shot in Alagbado
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed a tragic incident in which two innocent passersby were fatally shot during a police operation in the Alagbado area of Lagos State. This event has prompted immediate arrests of the officers involved and the launch of a comprehensive internal investigation, as announced by the Lagos State Police Command.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The shooting occurred on Friday when police officers were reportedly pursuing suspected internet fraudsters, commonly known as "Yahoo boys," in the Alagbado neighbourhood. According to official statements, the victims were bystanders caught in the crossfire during what has been described as an accidental discharge of firearms. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Police Response and Investigation
Abimbola Adebisi, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed in a post on X that Commissioner Jimoh directed the immediate arrest of the officers involved and their placement into custody. Additionally, extra personnel were deployed to the area to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order. Adebisi emphasized that the police command is committed to accountability and will not shield any officer found culpable in this incident.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
An eyewitness, who identified the officers as being attached to the AIT Division Police Station, alleged on X that the policemen fled the scene immediately after the shooting. The witness claimed that the officers, who were on stop-and-search duty, abandoned the victims without offering assistance, leaving them unconscious until they eventually succumbed to their injuries. While the police have not directly responded to this specific account, they stated that all relevant testimonies will be considered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Restoration of Calm and Assurance of Justice
The police have reported that calm has been restored in Alagbado following the incident. The command has assured residents that justice will be served and that the findings of the investigation will be made public. This assurance comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Lagos, where recent reports of cult-related clashes in areas such as Iyana-Ipaja, Aboru, Badore, Olokonla, Onipanu, and Satellite Town have resulted in several deaths and injuries.
Broader Context and Security Concerns
This shooting incident adds to the growing security challenges in Lagos State, with residents increasingly calling for improved policing tactics and greater restraint during security operations. The event underscores the urgent need for authorities to address rising violence and enhance public safety measures across the state. In a related development, the police in Ogun State reported a separate incident where a police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a ceramics company in Igbesa, highlighting ongoing issues within the force.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to face scrutiny over its operations, and this latest tragedy in Alagbado is likely to fuel further debates on police reform and accountability in Nigeria.
