The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in disarray following the fatal shooting of Borishade Adeniyi, chairman of the Apapa Local Government Chapter of the party on Saturday.
Chieftains of the party from across the state had gathered for what was supposed to be a peaceful political meeting in Igbosuku Village in Eti-Osa when fracas broke out between a faction loyal to the State Chairman, Moshood Salvador, and another for the Eti-Osa LG Chapter Chairman, Kehinde Fasasi.
Adeniyi, who was popular among PDP LG chairmen in the state, was shot and injured on the leg during the melee that ensued.
He was rushed to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos where he was treated but eventually died.
Two other persons allegedly injured during the clash are receiving treatment in a hospital in Ajah.
In a swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal, directed the Area Commander in-charge of Area ‘J’ Elemoro, to ensure the arrests of all those with hands in the crime.
Pursuant to the directive, five of the principal suspects namely, Kehinde Fasasi, chairman, Eti-Osa; Rotimi Kujore, chairman, Lagos Island, Fatai Adele, chairman, Mushin; Ismail Abiola, chapter chairman, Amuwo Odofin, and Amos Fawole, chairman, Surulere LG, were arrested.
The five suspects have been transferred to SCIID, Panti, for further investigation.
A statement by Lagos Police spokesperson, Chike Oti, reads in parts: “The CP is completely disappointed with PDP Leadership in the state for their penchant for violence.
“It will be recalled that on the 12/07/2018, two male thugs, Wale Oye, 37 and Ganiyu Ajiboluwa, 47, were arrested at Festac Extension by Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin with two pump-action rifles given to them by their hirer, one Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State House of Assembly, to escort him to a political rally.
“Meanwhile, Hon. Dipo Olorunrinu is warned to report at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, on Monday, at 0900hrs for the continuation of his case.
“He is reminded that he is only on administrative bail and not acquittal.”
Edgal, the statement adds, “warns that no political party will be allowed to truncate the peace in the state. He, therefore, calls on all political parties to disarm their members as nobody or group would be allowed to threaten anybody with firearms.”
