Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that three persons were killed and two others injured during a violent clash in Ikola, Alimosho local government area, on Thursday.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, who disclosed this in a statement, said investigation had begun into the incident.
Preliminary information indicated that the violence began when suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded N200.
The Police spokesperson said the rider refused to pay, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle.
According to her, the rider later returned with some persons, resulting in a violent confrontation between the two groups.
“Three persons were killed, while two others sustained injuries during the clash,” she said.
Adebisi added that some buildings were also set ablaze during the ensuing violence.
She said the deceased and injured persons were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, visited the scene alongside Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Afolabi Owolabi.
The officials assessed the situation and coordinated the security response to restore normalcy in the area.
Operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Squad and Police Mobile Force were deployed.
Other deployed formations included the Eko Strike Force and Violent Crime Response Unit, she said.
The police spokesperson said the security personnel were maintaining law and order, adding that the situation was firmly under control.
“The command has begun an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law,” she said.
Adebisi urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
She also encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
