The Lagos State Police Command has restored peace and normalcy in Owode Onirin and Balogun Market following violent incidents that disrupted activities in both areas.
At Owode Onirin, a deadly clash between traders and land grabbers led to the deaths of three persons and left a police inspector critically injured. The incident, which blocked major roads in and out of the market, prompted Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, to personally lead a combined team of tactical units, including the Rapid Response Squad, Police Mobile Force, and the State Criminal Investigation Department, to the scene. Order was swiftly restored, and traffic resumed in the area.
To prevent a resurgence, police officers have been stationed in the area while investigations continue. Preliminary findings linked the violence to Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, who has since been declared wanted. According to the police, efforts to apprehend the suspect have so far been unsuccessful, and members of the public are urged to provide information on his whereabouts or report sightings to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, four policemen allegedly brought in from outside Lagos by the wanted suspect have been detained and are facing orderly room trial for participating in unauthorized operations.
In a separate incident at Balogun Market, police swiftly intervened to restore order after a fight broke out between hoodlums and miscreants. During the altercation, one Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State was stabbed to death by Ebuka Adindu from Abia State, who also stabbed himself and fell unconscious. He is currently receiving treatment in custody at a hospital and will be prosecuted once discharged.
Police clarified that the Balogun Market incident was not a tribal clash, as rumored, but a fight among miscreants. No traders, shoppers, or properties were harmed during the incident, and normal business activities have since resumed.
CP Jimoh reassured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Lagos State. He urged the public to remain law-abiding, cooperate with the police, and refrain from spreading panic, adding that “Lagos remains peaceful and safe for business and lawful activities.”