Joy Anyim
Violent protesters, on Tuesday, attacked policemen posted to Oshodi Tapa Police Post, in Lagos State, injuring them.
It was learnt that the police post was formerly used as a satellite office of the defunct Special Anti – Robbery Squad (SARS).
According to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the policemen, who scampered for safety, sustained degrees of injury.
He, however, stated that a policeman with Force Number 409931, Sgt. Ellah Michael, was fatally injured and he is recuperating at the Police Hospital.
“The protesters intentionally went to besiege the police formation which was being used by SARS operatives before the disbandment and since been taken over by the operatives of Adeniji Adele Division in compliance with the IGP’s directive and closure of all SARS offices including satellite offices across the state by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State,” he said.
Adejobi stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the attacks on police personnel, maintaining that the police have always been calm and professional in handling protests across the state.
Adejobi also said Mr. Odumosu had appealed to protesters in the state to be organised and avoid actions that can trigger crises in the state.
He said the police boss has assured that all hands will be on deck to sustain peace within the length and breadth of Lagos State.
Recall that suspected hoodlums, who had allegedly hijacked the protest in Surulere had attacked the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, on Monday.
A policeman and a driver were shot dead, while two other policemen are said to be in critical condition at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in Ikeja.