The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested some of its officers and a suspected notorious land grabber following a violent clash at Owode Onirin Market in Lagos, which left five traders dead.
According to sources, a distress call was received on Wednesday, alleging that Abiodun Ariori, the Chief Executive Officer of Ariori Golden Venture Limited and a known land grabber, stormed a disputed land at Owode Onirin Market with hoodlums and some policemen.
“The policemen were later identified as Insp. Banu Bala Insp, Ahmed Abass, Cpl. Ibrahim Garba and Cpl. Ibrahim Kasimu, all attached to 58 PMF Lafia, Nasarawa State, as well as Insp. Jibrin Samaila attached to 20 PMF Ikeja, whom the suspect allegedly procured illegally,”sources said.
According to the sources, the group attempted to continue construction work on the land where shops and buildings had earlier been demolished.
“They were strongly resisted by dislodged traders and marketers, resulting in a fierce confrontation.
Consequently, five traders Adewale Onimoma, Salawudeen Mufutau, and Taiye Adeoye,sustained fatal injuries. One of the policemen, Insp. Jibrin Samaila, also sustained severe injuries,”said the sources
The sources said the arrested policemen and the suspected land grabber were now in custody, while investigation into the incident was ongoing.
