#EndSARS: Protests turn bloody in Lagos as police inspector killed, 2 other officers critically injured

The #EndSARS protests turned bloody on Monday in Lagos as some armed hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protest, killing one inspector and seriously injured two other police officers in the nation’s commercial hub.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, said some armed protesters laid siege on the Anti-Kidnapping Unit Office of the command, broke into the cell and liberated two of the kidnap cases suspects before they were tactically and professionally repelled.

The CP also said the protesters fired and killed one Ikechukwu Ilohamauzo, 55 years, a driver of one Toyota Sienna Bus, with Registration Number LSD 296 FX, who got stuck in the traffic caused by the blockage of the road by the violent protesters, in Surulere.

A statement by the Police Spokesperson, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that at about 1pm on Monday, some armed protesters laid siege on the Anti-Kidnapping Unit Office of the command, broke into the cell and liberated two of the kidnap cases suspects before they were tactically and professionally repelled.

“In the process, Inspr Ekei Joshua with AP No 175493, Inspr Peter Agabi with AP No 251138 and Insp Erinfolami Ayodeji with AP No 229241 (now late) attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Lagos State Command, located at Iyun Road, Surulere were shot and critically injured; they have been rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

“In addition, the protesters fired and killed one Ikechukwu Ilohamauzo, 55 years, a driver of one Toyota Sienna Bus, with Registration Number LSD 296 FX, who got stuck in the traffic caused by the blockage of the road by the violent protesters, in Surulere today. It is pertinent to state that the attacked police inspectors and Mr Ikechukwu Ilohamauzu were hit and injured by pellets reasonably fired from pump actions/locally-made guns. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has urged protesters to be peaceful and avoid violent attacks on police personnel or any other security agents.

“Also, he warned them not to harass innocent Lagosians by picketing them to forcefully join the protests; and should avoid blocking access routes or roads for other Nigerians who are as well entitled to their fundamental human rights

“He also appealed to parents and guardians to keep watch on their children and monitor their activities to avoid being mobilised and used for illegal activities in the state.

“However, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has ordered the Homicide section of the SCID, Yaba, Lagos to carry out thorough investigation into the incidence for further police actions.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said he will be meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, over the continued End SARS protests in the state.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a statement posted on Twitter on Monday.

“I was at the venue of one of the End SARS protests today. The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides.

“Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also confirmed he has been briefed on some of the casualties from the protests and pleaded with residents not to along the demonstrations be “hijacked” by people with “pre-existing vendetta”.

“I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.

“Please do not allow your protest to be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta,” the Governor said.

He added that: ”I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are high on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.

“I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.”

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