Police nab 7 as one youth dies in Lagos communal clash

The operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested seven suspects following a violent communal clash between some youths in the Otto and Ijanikin communities on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which left one person dead.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, announced this via a statement issued on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Adebisi stated that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led a joint team of police operatives and tactical squads to the Otto-Ijanikin axis to restore order after the expressway was blocked during the unrest.

Adebisi disclosed that the expressway, which was blocked following thecommunal clash, was reopened at about 09:00 a.m. on Saturday, adding that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected communities with members of the public going about their lawful businesses and activities peacefully.

She added: “During the clash between the two youth groups, one Akinyemi Omo Akin, was suspected to have been shot and died in the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a full-scale investigation of the incident, to be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti. Massive deployment of Police personnel is on the ground to sustain the peace and forestall any further breakdown of law and order.”

Adebisi refuted claims that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet from police officers.

Adebisi stated: “From preliminary investigation, it is incorrect and untrue that the deceased died from a stray bullet from the police.

“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 that were shooting and engaging themselves in a gun duel. The victim must have been shot during the shootout.

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“Seven 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.”

She disclosed that one locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects, adding that detachments of Police Tactical Squads and Anti-Riot Policemen have since been combing the affected communities and surrounding bushes to apprehend the other fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The police spokesperson noted: “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.”

Adebisi quoted Jimoh as urging Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses and other engagements without fear or apprehension, just as he enjoined members of the public to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities capable of threatening public peace and security.

The Star