One killed, seven arrested, as police reopen Lagos-Badagry Expressway after Otto–Ijanikin violence

The Lagos State Police Command has restored traffic along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto-Ijanikin corridor following a deadly communal clash that claimed one life and led to multiple arrests.

The highway, which had been barricaded for hours amid unrest between youths from Ijanikin and Otto communities, was eventually cleared in the early hours of Saturday. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command confirmed that normalcy returned around 9:00 a.m.

Detailing the operation, the statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a joint team of Police operatives and Tactical Squads from the Command to clear the blockage and reopen the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto-Ijanikin axis to traffic and other road users.”

During the confrontation, a resident identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin sustained gunshot injuries and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Addressing circulating claims about the source of the fatal shot, the police clarified, “From preliminary investigation, it is incorrect and untrue that the deceased died from a stray bullet from the Police.

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“Before Police intervention and arrival at the scene, there were calls and information to the Police from members of the public that the two sides brought in cultists who were shooting and engaging in a gun duel. The victim must have been shot during the shootout.”

Authorities confirmed that seven suspects linked to the clash have been taken into custody. Weapons were also recovered in the process. According to the statement, “Seven (7) suspects from both sides have been arrested and are in Police custody in connection with the clash, and they have made voluntary statements indicating the various criminal roles they played in the clash. One locally made pistol and two (2) live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects.”

Security operatives, including tactical and anti-riot units, have since intensified patrols across the affected communities and adjoining bushes in a bid to apprehend fleeing suspects.

The Command issued a stern warning to individuals and groups attempting to disrupt public peace, stating, “The Lagos State Police Command hereby warns all troublemakers and their sponsors that the Command will not tolerate any act that can lead to the breach of the existing peace anywhere in the State.

“The full weight of the law will be applied to those arrested. Parents and guardians are hereby enjoined to prevail on their children and wards to desist forthwith from any act that threatens the safety of lives and property in the State.”

The latest development follows concerns raised by residents who had called on the state government to boost security presence in Ijanikin, Agbara, and Oto Awori, alleging increasing gang activities and deteriorating safety.

Reassuring the public, the police emphasized their sustained operations in the area: “Massive deployment of Police personnel is on the ground to sustain the peace and forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

“CP Olohundare Jimoh encourages all the people of the State to go about their lawful businesses and other engagements without fear or apprehension.

“He urges members of the public to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities capable of threatening public peace and security through the Command’s emergency lines.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The probe will be supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, as authorities work to prevent a recurrence and ensure accountability.

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