Some soldiers on Wednesday, allegedly attacked a team of policemen, resulting in the death of one of the policemen, Inspector Saka Ganiyu, attached to the Task Force Unit, Oshodi Base, Lagos State.
The sad incident happened at Volks bus stop at the Ojo/Iyana-Iba road, Lagos.
The soldiers who were reportedly on mufti allegedly drove against the traffic, prompting the
police team, who were on enforcement duty, to reportedly accosted the unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus.
An argument, however, ensued between the soldier and the policemen, during which the driver, who later identified himself as a soldier, called on his colleagues from Ojo Cantonment Barracks, who stormed the scene and attacked the police team with dangerous weapons.
A reinforcement team of policemen swiftly arrived at the scene and repelled the soldiers. By then, Inspector Ganiyu had allegedly been stabbed by the soldier and was bleeding profusely.
Police sources hinted that he was rescued and rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH Ikeja, for treatment, where he later died.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, confirmed the incident in a post on his X account on Thursday.
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Meanwhile, Army Authorities have described the incident as regrettable, assuring members of the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and appropriate disciplinary measures taken to ensure justice.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director, of Public Relations, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the “Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on October 9, 2024, involving a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.
“The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman. The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.
“The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement. The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitized its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace.”
