One dead as police, Yoruba nation agitators clash in Lagos

A bloody clash between some youth Yoruba nation agitators and men of the Nigeria Police Force resulted in the death of one person in Lagos on Monday.

The agitators had gathered to stage a rally for their separatist campaign at Ojota when the clash occurred.

The agitators claimed that two of their members were shot dead by the police who forcefully dispersed the gathering by shooting teargas cannisters.

The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that one person was killed and two police officers injured in the incident which also led to the destruction of police vehicles.

A statement from Hundeyin said: “In the early hours of today, miscreants masquerading as Yoruba Nation Agitators came out in their hundreds, disrupting social and commercial activities at Ojota area of the State.

“A team of police officers, comprising Alausa Division and the Raid Respond Squad (RRS) promptly stepped in to disperse the unlawful gathering and prevent a breakdown of law and order. The miscreants attacked the police, shooting, and destroyed two vehicles in the process.

“One person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment. Four suspects have been arrested and investigations have commenced.”

In a viral video posted on social media one of the Yoruba nation agitators who identified himself as Sauti Igboho said the attack on them by the policemen was unprovoked.

Speaking in Yoruba, he called the attention of leaders of their movement including Mr Sunday Igboho and Professor Banji Akintoye to their plight in the hands of the security operatives. He said the police started shooting teargas cannisters at them to disperse their gathering and later deployed live rounds even when the protest remained peaceful. When his attention was brought to the fact that one of his comrades had been hit by bullet, he vowed that they would retaliate the killing by burning a police van as well as setting a nearby police station on fire.

He said: “They have killed two of our people…
“You have seen it, this (police) van is already being burnt.
“They have killed our people. This is one of those killed…
“There is war in Yorubaland…
“There will be trouble..
“We will burn down this (police) station.”

He then striped himself half-naked to reveal charms straped to his body.

Normalcy was later restored to the area as vehicular movement resumed shortly after.