The Nigerian Army has issued a statement concerning the killing of one of its officers by a policeman in Ikorodu, Lagos state on Wednesday.
The incident happened on Wednesday evening and reportedly led to a series of shootings in the area.
Reports said policemen took cover at Ogijo Police Station when they discovered the victim was a military officer.
The 81 Division Nigerian Army, however, in a statement issued on Thursday morning through its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, explained that the killed soldier allegedly confronted the accused policeman, who was not properly dressed and was standing very close to a patrol vehicle of Operation MESA to confirm his identity.
The statement read, “This led to an argument and, subsequently, the unfortunate incident. The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu,” the army spokesperson explained, adding that the suspect cop was arrested and kept in military custody for his safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria police for prosecution.
“However, the angry mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of this and attacked the police station in the community.
“Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in the Ikorodu area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community.”
