The Lagos State Police Command says it has averted what could have been a bloody attack on a commercial bank and restored peace to the popular Tejuosho Market after a violent disturbance.
The command confirmed the arrest of 18 individuals in a statement issued on Friday (today), describing the suspects as “hoodlums and miscreants” who allegedly hijacked a protest over a power outage and turned it into a violent assault.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a full investigation into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that violent attacks on police personnel and destruction of property will not be tolerated. He hereby advises Lagosians to show utmost respect to police personnel in the discharge of their responsibility of protecting lives and property,” Oluseyi said.
From Protest to Violence
According to the command, the incident began at about 2:30 p.m. under the guise of a protest against a power outage.
However, a section of the crowd allegedly turned violent, disrupting business activities at the market and attacking passers-by.
The situation escalated when the mob attempted to invade a commercial bank within the market. Mobile Police personnel guarding the bank reportedly repelled the first wave of the assault and immediately called for backup.
Oluseyi said anti-riot squads and tactical teams were swiftly deployed to the area, dispersing the rioters and securing the bank premises.
See a video clip from the supposed protest below.
Eighteen suspects were arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Police say investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the gang behind the attack.
“The combined efforts of the police units successfully contained the situation, dispersed the violent crowd, and ensured the safety of the bank and its customers. The 18 suspects apprehended are in custody, and an investigation is currently underway to identify and arrest other individuals involved,” the police stated.
The command assured residents and traders that normalcy had been fully restored and urged them to go about their businesses without fear.
Friday’s incident comes barely 24 hours after the command announced the arrest of two suspected cultists with a firearm in the Akoka area, in a clampdown on criminal gangs.
The police also dismissed reports that three people died in a cult clash at Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, even as recent clashes in other parts of Lagos have claimed at least five lives.
DSP Oluseyi said the command would continue to intensify its operations against cultists and criminal gangs threatening the peace of the state.