Soldiers Kill Policeman for Stopping Colleague Driving Against Traffic in Lagos
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Soldiers from Ojo Cantonment Barracks, led by an unidentified colleague, have fatally stabbed a policeman, Saka Ganiyu, after being stopped for driving against traffic near Volks Bus Stop along Ojo Iyana Iba Road in Lagos State.
Trek Africa Newspaper gathered that the soldier, who was not in uniform, was driving an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus when he was halted by policemen on enforcement duty at the bus stop.
Following this, an altercation broke out, prompting the soldier to call for backup from his colleagues. They arrived from Ojo Cantonment Barracks and launched an attack on the policemen.
Documents detailing the incident revealed that Ganiyu suffered multiple injuries during the assault and was quickly taken to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing care, and his body was subsequently placed in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The Commander of the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, has been notified, and the soldier involved has been detained at their base. The military has not yet disclosed the identity of the soldier, as a thorough investigation by homicide detectives is underway to seek justice for the deceased policeman.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundenyin, did not respond to calls or text messages regarding the incident as of the time of this report. Meanwhile, Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, indicated that she would investigate and provide a response but had not yet followed up.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as soldiers in Lagos State have previously faced allegations of assaulting and killing policemen during the course of their duties. For instance, in August 2022, Inspector Orukpe Monday, also from the Lagos State Police Command, died from injuries inflicted by soldiers who had attacked him and his colleagues in the Trade Fair area.
The soldiers were reportedly en route to a training program at Ojo Military Cantonment when their vehicle slowed down due to police stops, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence.
