Two motorcyclists lost their lives on Monday during an exchange of gunfire with policemen who thwarted an attack on the Ipaja Division of the Lagos State Police Command.
The incident occurred when the policemen were enforcing the existing ban on motorcycle operations in the state. In response to the enforcement, the motorcyclists revolted, leading to a confrontation.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained in a statement posted on his verified handle on X.com that the motorcyclists attempted to overrun the police station during their protest.
Hundeyin wrote, “Officers of the Ipaja Police Division have successfully repelled an early morning attack on their division by motorcycle operators. The attack came after police officers commenced the day’s enforcement of the existing ban on motorcycles in Lagos State. The attackers, who came in their hundreds, stormed the station with dangerous weapons, shooting at the officers and attempting to overrun the station. While officers and men of the division held their ground, reinforcement came from the Area Command and the Rapid Response Squad. Two of the attackers were fatally injured during the attack.”
He added that no fewer than 200 motorcycles were impounded, and some suspects were arrested during the incident.
Hundeyin continued, “This did not deter the officers from accomplishing their mandate as over 200 motorcycles were impounded and some of the attackers arrested, with one locally made firearm retrieved. The Lagos State Police Command will not be cowed into abdicating its responsibilities of enforcement of all duly passed laws and maintenance of law and order within the society.”
The exchange of gunfire caused panic in the area, with residents and business owners scrambling for safety.
