The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of Inspector Erin Ayodeji attached to the Surulere Anti-kidnapping Unit and an unidentified passerby during the anti-SARS protest on Monday.
Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that two other inspectors were critically wounded during the violent attack on their unit.
Mr. Adejobi said that the unidentified passerby died from a stray bullet from the protesters while Inspectors Ekei Joshua and Peter Agabi were receiving treatment at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
“The protesters came in their numbers with the intent to break into the station at our Surulere unit and free some of the convicted criminals.
“They were heavily armed with shotguns and fired shots at the officers on duty who were trying to prevent the incidence and uphold the integrity of the station,” he said.
Adejobi said that no arrest had been made yet but that investigation was ongoing and the perpetrators would be brought to book.
He reiterated the resolve of the Lagos Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu to continue to maintain law and order in the state in spite of the unrest created by various protesting groups.
“Odumosu has called on all police officers to exhibit professionalism and continue to maintain law and order in spite of the ongoing public agitation towards the police.
“The protest has been hijacked by criminals who have taken advantage of the situation to breach the peace in the society.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, just disbanded the SARS on Sunday, so the attack on the station was uncalled for,” Adejobi said.
The police spokesman urged parents and wards to monitor and keep a close eye on their children because anyone caught exhibiting negative behaviour would face the full extent of the law.
