The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Prince Umar Manko, on Monday declared that the naval ratings who attacked some policemen at the Wharf/Apapa area of Lagos State on Friday, damaging Armoured Personnel Carrier should realize that no one has a monopoly of violence.
Speaking with newsmen at the police command headquarters in Ikeja, Manko explained that but for his timely intervention, the situation could have become bloody.
He however cautioned sister forces that were quick to attack and open fire on policemen carrying out their legal duties that policemen not responding should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.
On Friday, naval ratings emptied their armoury and attacked policemen at Trebor Junction, because one of their colleagues’ motorbikes was impounded by an Environmental Task Force Team, headed by A. Ajani, a Superintendent of Police.
The attack culminated in the destruction of a police APC by the rampaging naval personnel and chasing of policemen into Area B Command.
Manko said: “Lagos State has a law.
“Police has the full mandate to enforce those laws.
“A naval man rode in areas restricted from motorbike.
“Angry, he went and regrouped and they returned to attack policemen!
“Nobody is above the law in Lagos State.
“Everybody should endeavour to see that the laws of the state are adhered to and the purposes of those laws achieved.
“Police will continue to enforce the law until its desired demand is achieved!
“I took charge of my men to make sure they did not fire a single bullet on that day.
“Nobody has monopoly of violence.
“We also have armouries.
“Police could have retaliated but police are the most visible government security agency on ground.
“This however does not mean police are weak.
“It means police are showing maturity!”
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