The alleged murder of a soldier by a police officer in Lagos State drew a response from the Nigerian Army on Thursday.
The 81 Division Nigerian Army’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, signed a statement containing this information.
Recall that on Wednesday, a mob enraged over the death of a soldier who was allegedly stabbed to death by a police officer invaded a police station in Ogijo Village, a border town between the states of Ogun and Lagos.
According to Ayeni, the suspect (policeman) was not properly attired and was standing extremely close to a patrol car of Operation MESA when the victim (soldier) allegedly confronted him to establish his identification.
“This led to an argument and, subsequently, the unfortunate incident.
“The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu,” the army spokesperson said.
He said the suspect was arrested and kept in military custody for his safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria police for prosecution.
“However, the angry mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of this and attacked the police station in the community.
“Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in the Ikorodu area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community,” Ayeni said.
