Policeman killed, patrol van vandalized by irate mob in Lagos

An irate mob on Wednesday at about 11am on College Road, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos State attacked a police patrol team stationed at a black spot in the area.

A statement by the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the development.

The statement said in the process of attacking the ream, Sergeant Esiabor Collins, with service number 260326, was killed.

Also, the patrol vehicle was not spared by the rampaging mob as it was vandalised.

Preliminary investigation into the incident, according to Oti, revealed that the mob, mainly youths, had earlier that morning gone to Area ‘G’ Command, Ogba with the intention to overrun the police formation and commit arson but found it impregnable.

However, the Area Commander in-charge spoke to them, promising to cause an investigation into their grievances, which bothered on the death of a youth who allegedly died on Wednesday (today), two weeks after an alleged  encounter with some policemen.

Oti added: “At this juncture, it must be clearly stated that the police authorities in the state are unaware of any encounter with the deceased as no formal complaint  was received to that effect.”

Oti said the Commissioner, Lagos State Police Command, Edgal Imohimi, noted of that the penchant to take laws into own hands by some people who easily constitute themselves into a mob is becoming worrisome to say the least.

He added: “The Command wishes state that the deceased officer and indeed the entire patrol team had the option of defending themselves with their firearms against the mob but chose to show restraint in face of provocation but unfortunately the rampaging mob never allowed them that option hence Sgt. Collins paid the supreme price.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi, notes that policemen in the state had on several occasions shown restraints in the face of provocative actions. He therefore warns  that policemen may be forced to use their firearms to defend themselves, other people about being killed by a mob and in the protection of government assets.

“He urges parents to warn their children to refrain from such acts which according to him may lead to a breach of the peace and unnecessary bloodletting.”