Protest erupts in Onosa, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, after police allegedly shoot a motorcyclist, prompting roadblocks, bonfires, and a swift police response to restore order.
Residents of Onosa, in the Elemoro area of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, staged a protest on Friday following the alleged fatal shooting of a commercial motorcyclist by police officers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the unrest began after the victim, identified as Muazu Abdullahi, was shot on Thursday night during an encounter between police officers and motorcycle riders. The officers had reportedly attempted to seize motorcycles, leading to resistance from the riders.
Protesters blocked major roads, lit bonfires, and chanted “Police Ole” (meaning “Police Thief”) as traffic was brought to a standstill for hours. Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators confronting the police, while smoke from the fires filled the air.
Police Response and Restoration of Order
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that normalcy had been restored. He stated that Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a team to clear road barricades and reopen traffic along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Hundeyin explained that during a routine patrol, six police officers from the Elemoro Division were confronted by a hostile crowd, leading to the use of firearms. Three individuals were injured and later taken to a hospital for treatment.
He further disclosed that the officers involved have been taken into custody while investigations continue. CP Jimoh has also engaged youth and community leaders in dialogue to prevent further unrest.
Hundeyin assured residents that the inquiry would be thorough and transparent, urging the community to remain calm and cooperate with authorities while investigations proceed.
