By Odita Sunday
Three persons have been killed and two others injured following a violent confrontation in the Ikola area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Police Command said the incident, which occurred on Thursday, started after some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded N200 from him.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebesi, the rider reportedly refused to pay, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle.
She said the rider later returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.
Three persons were reportedly killed during the clash, while two others sustained injuries. Some buildings were also allegedly set ablaze in the ensuing violence.
The police said the deceased and injured victims were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, accompanied by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
Following the incident, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, Eko Strike Force and the Vigilance and Community Relations Unit were deployed to the area to restore and maintain law and order.
The Command said normalcy had been restored and security personnel were maintaining continuous monitoring to prevent further escalation.
It added that investigation had commenced, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The police urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions capable of aggravating the situation.
Residents were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist investigators in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the violence.
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