LAGOS, Nigeria — An assistant superintendent of police, yet to be formally identified, was tragically killed in the Agege area of Lagos State early Saturday, October 19, 2024, after an altercation with a group of angry commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as Okada riders.
The incident occurred following a traffic accident involving a trailer and one of the riders at the WEMCO junction near Mobil Road.
The ASP, who led a team of officers to the scene, was fatally attacked while attempting to clear the accident site.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the officer’s death, with its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, describing the attack as “unprovoked.”
According to Hundeyin, the police received a distress call at approximately 1:40 a.m. regarding an accident at WEMCO junction involving a motorcycle rider and a trailer.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the Okada rider ran into the trailer, leading to his death on the spot.
“On getting to the scene, the team met a large number of motorcycle riders who had gathered around the place,” Hundeyin stated.
The officers attempted to evacuate the trailer, but the Okada riders resisted, insisting that the truck be set on fire as retribution for the rider’s death.
As tensions escalated, the group launched a violent attack on the officers.
The ASP, aged 46, sustained severe head injuries and tragically died on the spot.
The truck driver, who was also at risk of being attacked, managed to escape during the chaos.
In response to the incident, the police have arrested five suspects, and a manhunt for others involved in the attack is currently underway.
The killing of the police officer has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with concerns raised about the frequent clashes between law enforcement and commercial motorcyclists in Lagos.
The Okada riders have been known to mobilize in large numbers in response to incidents involving their members, often leading to tense confrontations with authorities.
The Lagos State Police Command has vowed to ensure justice for the deceased officer, while calling for calm in the aftermath of the incident.
“We are working tirelessly to bring all those responsible for this tragic and senseless killing to justice,” Hundeyin said, urging the public to cooperate with the police as investigations continue.
The attack on the police patrol team is the latest in a string of violent encounters between law enforcement and commercial motorcyclists in Lagos.
As the city grapples with rising tensions over Okada operations, there are renewed calls for tighter regulations and enforcement to address the challenges posed by the sector.
Further updates on the situation and the identities of the arrested suspects are expected as the investigation unfolds.
