- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has dispersed protesting commercial bus operators with some confirmed arrested over obstruction of traffic along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
NPO earlier Reported that the protesters had barricade the road along Ajah axis in agitation over the Lagos State Government’s alleged plan to the operation of minibuses popularly known as Korope.
The demonstration which commenced yesterday would intensify on Wednesday as several commuters were left stranded along the road.
This had attracted the attention of the state’s Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, who led a team of officers to the scene.
Addressing newsmen shortly after his arrival, Olohundare disclosed being informed by the Divisional Police Officers in Ilasan and Ajah about the demonstration by the protesters who he labelled ‘misguided miscreants and hoodlums’.
While acknowledging the grievances of the protesters, the Lagos Police boss however frowned at the obstruction of traffic flow.
He declared the protest a riot, alleging that the demonstrators launched unprovoked attack on passersby.
“I had a report from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ilasan and Ajah that some misguided miscreants and hoodlums have decided to take laws into their hand to block the highway leading to Ibeju-Lekki and other adjoining area in this side of the city.
“This is something we will not tolerate. If you have anything like grievances, there is an appropriate channel for which you can channel your grievances.
“But to come and block the public highway and deny millions of Lagosians and other visitors in Lagos the access to this public highway is no more a protest.
“In fact, that is what we call riot. Because they were, according to the police officers that were here with them, equally attacking passersby who are going about their lawful businesses and other engagements.” He said.
Olohudare reaffirmed his stance against such public unrest as he disclosed that arrests have been made with more to be apprehended while the blocked road have also been open.
“I want to use this opportunity to say that the Lagos state Police Command will not tolerate this from anybody or any group of persons or individual.
“I moved in with enough team, and I’ve opened Jakande junction and I’ve equally opened here under Ajah.
“We are still sweeping the entire area. to make more arrest. Arrest has been made and we going to still make more arrests and ensure that they are investigated and prosecuted. Nobody will be allowed to take law into hos hand in Lagos State.” He added.