CITIZENS COMPASS– THERE was tension in Odogunyan)Ogijo area of Ikorodu in Lagos and Ogun States on Wednesday, as a mobile policeman has allegedly stabbed a soldier to death.
Due to the incident, Ogijo Police station has reportedly been razed by the supporters of the slain soldier who were protesting the death.
The incident occurred at about 5.30pm.
The incident
According to eye witnesses’ accounts, the soldier identified as Saheed and the mobile policeman met at Odonla Road in Odogunyan, a border town between Lagos and Ogun States where both have daily been extorting truck drivers.
Until the unfortunate incident, Saheed was attached to 174 Army Battalion Odogunyan but was in mufti allegedly extorting truck drivers when the mobile policeman who was in uniform was also extorting the truck drivers.
Narrating what transpired between the duo, a resident of Odonla, simply identified as Ridiwan Ilaje said a physical fight ensued while both were extorting truck drivers.
According to him, “the extortion was ongoing when the policeman asked Saheed to identify himself and the later simply told him he was from 174 Army Battalion.
“Not satisfied, the Mobile policeman asked him to produce his identification card but Saheed who considered this as an insult bluffed him and a serious argument ensued which led to altercation.
Initially, Saheed overpowered the policeman in the physical fight unfortunately, the table turned around and was stabbed on the neck by the policeman.
“The scene attracted supporters of the uniform men and some Saheed’s supporters rushed him to the hospital while some stayed back to retaliate by beating the policeman.
Way of escape
“The policeman made a way of escape by jumping on a bike which took him to Ogijo Police station for rescue but Saheed’s supporters chased the bike to the police station where they were said to be addressed by some senior Police officers on ground.
“Few minutes later, reports of the incident got to 174 Battalion and some soldiers rushed to Odonla Road for on – the- spot accessment.but at about 7pm, reports filtered in that Saheed had given up the ghost at the hospital and this triggered an uproar.”
In retaliation, the supporters and the soldiers were said to have matched to Ogijo Police station in protest but we’re amicably addressed by the police officers.
Area Boys’ hijack
It was learnt that street urchins popularlly known as Area Boys hijacked the situation to loot and rob but Police shot into the air to disperse them.
Citizens Compass gathered that the Area Boys mobilised and partly set armoured tank, two operational vehicles, seizures and other valuables items on fire.
However, the offices were spared as residents, traders and road users scampered for safety.
An eye witness, Moses Ikharie said many people were injured in the process.
At press time, there was presence of military men in Odogunyan, Ogijo and their environs.
There was fear of a reprisal attack in the town.
Spokesperson, Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi did not respond to calls and messages by our Correspondent as at the time of filing this report.
