Joy Anyim
The Lagos State Police Command have denied the report that some personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), had shot dead a 39-year-old man, along Ajisegiri Street, Ilupeju.
Reports had emerged on Monday morning, that some personnel of the controversial police unit, SARS, led by Inspector Mohammed Akeem, had stormed the area, shooting sporadically, killing the middle aged man.
According to the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Elkana Bala, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the police operatives were led to the area by a notorious gang leader Ikechukwu Monye, 39.
The gang had allegedly spearheaded several robberies killing six persons.
Bala stated that while the suspect was leading policemen to where arms are kept, they were ambushed by members of the gang.
He said, “ The assailants shot sporadically and in the process, killed a middle age man who was passing by. Reinforcement was quickly drafted to the scene. The whole area is cordoned with a view of apprehending the members of the gang and bring them to justice.
“ Ilupeju has experienced violent attacks between members of Aiye and Eiye confraternities who equally engaged in heinous crimes such as armed robbery, rape and murder. The gang in question, is responsible for series of robberies within Ilupeju and environ.
“ They have been on the wanted list of the Police for murder of six persons during three robbery operations that they carried out.”
The PPRO said the command condemned the senseless killings of innocent persons by the criminal elements, hence will not also tolerate attacks on its personnel by criminal elements.
“ The command have vowed to bring an end to the activities of this deadly gang. Members of the Public are enjoyed to remain calm as the Command has intensified patrols and surveillance in the affected areas,” Bala stated.
Meanwhile the corpse of the victim of the violent attack had been removed and deposited at the mortuary for post mortem examination.
The Command also extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased person, assuring them that justice will prevail.
