A violent confrontation between rival youth groups in the Ijanikin and Otto communities of Lagos turned fatal, leaving one person dead and prompting a major police operation that temporarily shut down the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that the Lagos State Police Command confirmed that normal traffic resumed around 9:00 a.m. after officers cleared barricades mounted at the Otto-Ijanikin axis. Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, led the operation alongside tactical units to restore order and reopen the busy highway.
The clash claimed the life of Akinyemi Omo Akin, who was shot during the unrest and later died in hospital. Police dismissed allegations circulating in the community that he was struck by a stray bullet fired by officers.
Authorities said distress calls received before their arrival indicated that armed individuals, allegedly cultists brought in by both sides, were exchanging gunfire. Investigators believe the victim was caught in that crossfire.
Seven suspects have since been taken into custody. According to police, those arrested have provided statements detailing their involvement in the violence. Officers also recovered a locally made firearm and two live cartridges during the operation. Security teams are continuing to comb surrounding areas and bushes in search of other suspects who fled the scene.
The Command issued a strong warning to individuals and groups threatening public peace, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. Parents and guardians were also urged to caution their wards against engaging in acts capable of endangering lives and property.
The incident, as reported by ENigeria Newspaper, followed concerns raised by residents who alleged that gangs had begun asserting control in parts of Ijanikin, Agbara, and Oto Awori. In response, police said a heavy security presence remains in place to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
CP Jimoh has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to conduct a comprehensive probe into the clash while assuring residents that they can go about their daily activities without fear.
