Mob Kill Police Officer, Set Patrol Van Ablaze In Lagos
Some angry youths on Wednesday killed a policeman, Sergeant Esiabor Collins, injured another in Haruna bus stop along College Road in Ifako Ijaiye area of the state before setting their patrol vehicle ablaze.
It was gathered that the boys who were coming back from a protest at Area G in Ogba to register their grievances over the alleged killing of one of them sighted a stationed police vehicle and descended on the officers taking laws into their hands.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement on Wednesday said it happened at about 1100hrs, at College Road, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos.
He said a police patrol team stationed at a black spot in the aforementioned location was attacked by an irate mob for a yet to be determined reason.
Oti said,’’ In the process, Sergeant Esiabor Collins with service number 260326, was attacked and killed. Also, the patrol vehicle was not spared by the rampaging mob which they vandalised.
According to him, “Preliminary investigation into the incident revealed that the mob, mainly youths had earlier that morning gone to Area ‘G’ Command, Ogba with the intention to overrun the police formation and commit arson but found it impregnable.
‘’ However, the Area Commander in-charge, spoke to them, promising to cause an investigation into their grievances which bothered on the death of a youth who allegedly died today 29/08/18, two weeks after an alleged encounter with some policemen.
“At this juncture, it must be clearly stated that the police authorities in the state are unaware of any encounter with the deceased as no formal complaint was received to that effect.”
He added that, the Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohini has noted that the penchant to take laws into own hands by some people who easily constitute themselves into a mob is becoming worrisome to say the least, adding that policemen in the state had on several occasions shown restraints in the face of provocative actions.
“He therefore warns that policemen may be forced to use their firearms to defend themselves, other people about being killed by a mob and in the protection of government assets.
“The Command stated that the deceased officer and indeed the entire patrol team had the option of defending themselves with their firearms against the mob but chose to show restraint in face of provocation but unfortunately the rampaging mob never allowed them that option hence Sgt. Collins paid the supreme price.
“The CP, however urges parents to warn their children to refrain from such acts which according to him may lead to a breach of the peace and unnecessary bloodletting”.
