October 10, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
A tragic incident unfolded in Lagos when a soldier attached to the Ojo Cantonment Barracks fatally stabbed a policeman, Inspector Saka Ganiyu, following a dispute over a traffic violation.
According to eyewitnesses, the soldier, who was not in uniform, was driving an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus against traffic when he was stopped by policemen on enforcement duty at Volks Bus Stop, along the Ojo Iyana Iba Road.
The situation took a deadly turn when the soldier, angered by the policemen’s actions, contacted his colleagues from the nearby barracks. A group of soldiers reportedly stormed the scene, attacking the policemen and leaving Ganiyu with severe injuries.
Ganiyu was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for urgent treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Sources revealed that the soldier’s colleagues used dangerous weapons, including knives and broken bottles, during the assault.
The Lagos State Police Command has condemned the attack, describing it as “unwarranted and barbaric.” The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, promised a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Nigerian Army has also launched an investigation, with the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Umar Musa, expressing regret over the incident.
“We commiserate with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Police. We will ensure that justice is served and those found culpable are brought to book,” Major General Musa stated.
This incident marks the latest in a series of clashes between soldiers and policemen in Lagos State, sparking concerns over the growing tensions between the two security agencies.
The Lagos State Government has called for calm and urged security agencies to work together to maintain law and order.
