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Clarifies Incident
- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Police Command has debunked the alleged gunmen attack on Ajebo community near Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area of the state.
As contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, a report published by the Newstelegraph had claimed that the community was invaded by armed hoodlums who destroyed properties, injured residents, and fired gunshots indiscriminately.
Reacting to the report, Adebisi declared the claim as mischievous, untrue, and misleading.
She however clarified that the incident reported at the community was a land dispute between two families which was curtailed by operatives attached to the Command.
“The incidents that occurred are a land dispute between two families within the AJEBO Community that led to chaos and confusion in the village.
“Upon receiving the report, the Police joint intervention teams comprising the Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riots Police personnel, conventional police personnel from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special Police units from Lagos Police Command Headquarters as well as others stationed at Agbowa were immediately deployed to the location.
“Normalcy was promptly restored, and the people of the Community continued to go about their normal business and other activities of livelihood.” The Police spokesperson wrote.
According to her, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had directed a prompt intervention and investigation into the incident.
The Ppeliminary investigation further clarified that the disturbance and clashes within the village stemmed from a land dispute between two contending families, and not an attack by gunmen against the community.
“No life was lost and no injuries were inflicted on anyone or the people of the village before and during the clashes before normalcy was restored and is currently being sustained.
“The Command further wishes to reaffirm that there was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report.
“No death or injury was also recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere.
“The detachments of Police Officers and other tactical Squads intervened and acted swiftly, professionally, and immediately restored peace and tranquility throughout the community.
“Peace has since returned to the area. The leadership of the two parties involved in the land dispute has been identified and served Police invitations to report for investigation at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, immediately.
“They have been strongly warned to remain peaceful and that the Police will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on troublemakers. ” The statement read further.
Meanwhile, Olohundare implored and cautioned members of the public against spreading misinformation.
He urges the writer of the story to desist from publishing reports that are incorrect, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic.
The Lagos Police Chief harped on the need for responsible reporting for the benefit of the public.
He also reassures residents of the affected community, and Lagos State in general, of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order across Lagos State at all times.