Tension flared in Onosa community, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, on Friday, as residents staged a protest over the alleged killing of a commercial motorcyclist by policemen attached to the Elemoro Division.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday night during a police operation to seize motorcycles, was said to have claimed the life of one rider identified as Muazu Abdullahi.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the motorcyclists resisted the officers, prompting the police to open fire.
The killing sparked outrage, with residents mounting roadblocks and setting bonfires along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, disrupting traffic for hours.
In videos shared online, protesters were seen chanting “Police ole!” (Police are thieves) as smoke from burning tyres filled the air.
In response, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led a detachment of officers to the scene, dislodging barricades and engaging with youths and community leaders to restore calm.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the unrest had been brought under control. He explained that six officers on patrol had encountered a hostile mob, leading to the use of firearms.
Three individuals sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“The officers involved in the shooting have been taken into custody as investigations into the incident commence,” Hundeyin said in a statement, assuring residents of a thorough and transparent inquiry.
He added that normalcy had returned to the area, with heavy police presence maintained to prevent further unrest.