Officer killed as police clash with okada riders in Lagos

Kazeem Abonde, chief superintendent of police (CSP), was killed during a clash between commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, and police officers in Ajao estate area of Lagos state.

TheCable learnt that the incident happened on Thursday when the police officers visited the area for an operation — to seize the motorcycles of the riders.

The okada riders were said to have mobilised themselves to resist the police officers — a development that led to the clash resulting in the death of the police officer.

The van used by the officers was also badly damaged.

Pictures of the police officer in a pool of his own blood had gone viral on social media on Thursday.

Reacting to the incident, Adebayo Olasoju, the executive chairman of Isolo local council development area, in a statement, appealed for calm in the area, while adding that investigation into the incident has commenced.

“It is expedient to make it clear to all concerned that violence, in whatever form, can not solve any misunderstanding and therefore should be eschewed,” the statement reads.

“Ajao estate being a major entry point to, foreigners coming into our dear nation deserves the serenity obtainable in a city of equal status in advanced countries.

“While investigation into both the remote and immediate causes of the violence is being carried out, the law abiding citizens of Ajao estate are hereby urged to go about their lawful businesses as there is enough security presence to forestall a resurgence.”

When Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Lagos police spokesperson, was reached for comments, he said he would release a statement when he gets the full details of the incident.