The Lagos State Police Command has reopened the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto-Ijanikin junction after a clash occurred between the youth of Ijanikin and Otto-Awori communities.
On Saturday, police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, announced that Akinyemi Akin, a man shot during the incident, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, took the initiative to lead a contingent of police officers and tactical teams to clear the road blockade around 9:00 a.m.
A statement indicated that calm has been restored in the impacted areas, with residents resuming their daily activities without fear.
In connection with the clash, seven individuals have been apprehended, with a locally made firearm and two live ammunition confiscated from one of the suspects.
The arrested individuals provided statements detailing their involvement in the confrontation.
Preliminary inquiries by the police suggest that Mr. Akin may have been injured during a shooting between opposing youth factions prior to the police intervention.
The police statement clarified, “It is misleading to assert that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet fired by law enforcement.”
Mr. Jimoh has instructed that a comprehensive investigation be spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, alongside the deployment of more officers to maintain peace and deter future conflicts.
Ijanikin and Otto-Awori are known to have experienced numerous violent incidents, primarily attributed to disputes over cult dominance.
The presence of rival groups such as the Aiye and Eiye has resulted in many altercations, often involving weapons like firearms, machetes, and charms.
Innocent bystanders, including notable victims like Kamoru Lasisi, a student at Lagos State University, have tragically lost their lives due to these violent confrontations.
Last August, disturbances at the Shoe/Bags and Textile Market in Ijanikin led to blockages on the Badagry Expressway, injuring commuters.
Reports indicated these outbreaks were linked to escalating tensions between two local leaders which led to violence among their supporters.
In September 2022, police officials held meetings with community representatives at the Area ‘K’ Command headquarters, urging them to collaborate in intelligence gathering aimed at identifying and capturing cultists operating in notorious areas like Vespa Bus Stop and beneath the Ijanikin bridge.
Earlier law enforcement actions included the arrest of suspects and the recovery of weapons. In July 2021, police arrested two alleged cultists in Oto-Awori and seized weapons including an axe, machetes, and marijuana.
Special tactical units have been mobilized to target known criminal havens. However, reports from residents indicate ongoing sporadic violence, with cultists adapting to police crackdowns, resulting in continuous disruptions to local markets and transport routes.
The police have heightened intelligence-driven operations to combat cultism and dismantle networks engaged in local gun manufacturing.
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