A middle age man was killed in an early morning gunfight between operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and suspected robbers in Lagos.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala Elkana, confirmed this in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the security operatives were on their way to recover weapons being used by a gang of suspected criminals before they were ambushed in Ilupeju axis of the state.
The statement said, “On 15th July, 2019 at about 7:30 am, SARS Operatives led by Insp Mohammed Akeem while being led by a notorious gang leader Ikechukwu Monye ‘m’ 39 years old, to where their arms are kept, were ambushed by members of the gang along Ajisegiri Street Ilupeju.”
Elkana explained that the assailants shot sporadically and in the process killed the victim who was only passing by.
He said reinforcement was quickly drafted to the scene while the whole area was cordoned off to apprehend the members of the gang and bring them to justice.
“Ilupeju has experienced violent attacks between members of Aiye and Eiye confraternities who equally engaged in heinous crimes such as armed robbery, rape and murder.
“The gang in question is responsible for series of robberies within Ilupeju and environ,” the command’s spokesman added.
He disclosed that the suspects have been on the wanted list of the police for the murder of six people during three robbery operations.
Elkana warned that the command would not condone the killing of innocent people by criminals in the state.
He also said the police would not tolerate attacks on its personnel and vowed to bring an end to the activities of the gang.
He asked members of the public to remain calm, noting that the command has intensified patrols and surveillance in the affected areas.
The command’s spokesman condoled with the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would prevail.
He said the body of the victim has been deposited at the mortuary for post mortem examination.
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