Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have taken Assistant Superintendent of Police Omotayo Olajide into custody following an operation in the Ajegunle district that left a young girl dead and another wounded. The tragic event unfolded on a Thursday within the Nosamu community during a violent confrontation between rival street factions.
According to official reports released on Saturday by command spokesperson SP Abimola Adebisi, the police officer had been dispatched to restore order amid a turf war. The conflict involved factions known as the Nosamu Boys and the Alayabiagba Boys, who were reportedly fighting over control of local toll collections.
Eyewitness accounts and initial police findings indicate that the opposing factions were heavily armed with machetes and other offensive implements during the street brawl. Upon reaching the volatile scene, ASP Olajide fired his weapon, resulting in rounds striking two young girls who were caught in the vicinity.
What were the immediate medical steps taken for the victims?
Both injured minors were swiftly conveyed to the Ajeromi General Hospital for emergency care. Due to the severity of her injuries, one of the victims, identified as Omole Taiwo, was subsequently moved to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital located in Ikeja, where she ultimately succumbed to her wounds. Meanwhile, medical personnel confirmed that the second surviving victim remains hospitalized and is currently in a stable condition.
Addressing the public regarding the incident, the police spokesperson expressed deep regret over the unfortunate outcome.
"The Command is deeply saddened by the loss of a young and innocent life and shares in the grief of the bereaved family," Adebisi stated.
She further disclosed that the implicated officer has been stripped of his service weapon and placed in detention. The case file has since been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department to facilitate a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the shooting.
This ongoing investigation aims to clarify the sequence of events and ensure that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures are enforced. Authorities have promised to provide continuous updates to the public as the inquiry progresses.