Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Lagos State Police Command has warned those peddling rumours that Igbos in the state are being attacked would be dealt with according to the law.
The Commissioner of Police in the state Zubairu Muazu on Thursday described the news of the attack as fake and far from the truth.
“One serious issue the command is contending with now, is the menace of fake news circulated on the social media, on a plan attack on Igbo traders in Lagos especially, in Oshodi and other prominent markets by hoodlums.”
“The command did not only make press statement debunking such rumors but took practical steps to reassure the Igbo communities and all other residents of Lagos State of their safety. We made massive deployment of our special force to streets and markets as well as vulnerable areas. We equally arranged town hall meetings over the last few days. Yesterday, we met with Igbo trading community, led by Eze Ndi Igbo of Oshodi, Hausa community, Yoruba community and others.”
“Let me re-emphasis that Lagos State is peaceful and Lagosians are peace loving people. There is no tribe or community under threat in any part of the state. Our patrol and surveillance are intensified. We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections come 9th March, 2019, he added.
According to Muazu, the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections in the State was largely peaceful apart from pocket of violence.
He said this was as a result of robust security network put in place by the Police.
“Lagos State did not experience any major incidence. The Command provided enabling environment for voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. Lives and properties of the good people of Lagos State were adequately secured. The entire electoral process was generally peaceful, he boasted.
He cited about two cases that he said the State witnessed some hitches on election day but added that they were promptly nip in the bud before it got escalated.
”We have two of such incidence that would have erupted into major crises if not for our proactive approach and timely intervention. The first instance was the case of Ago Palace way, Okota where some hoodlums invaded some clustered polling units at Ohafia street, Baba Ewe, Ogunbala Avenue and Canal Avenue, where they set the few ballot boxes ablaze. Our prompt response led to the arrest of nine (9) suspects. I personally visited the scene and addressed the voters, which reduced the tension immediately after the incidence. I took further step by arranging a meeting of all the stakeholders, in the Palace of the Oba of Isolo. In attendance where Igbo community leaders, Local Government Authority, market unions, youth organisations, Road Transport Unions, among others.”
“The second incident occurred just yesterday after the declaration of Presidential elections result by INEC. At about 1430hrs, a group of youths trooped out in large number along Akar road, Okokomaiko, under the guise of celebrating the victory of their party, disrupted traffic along Lagos Badagry express way and caused a serious breach of the peace on the public and road users. The prompt response of the command brought the situation under control and thirty eight (38) suspects were arrested. Corpse of one of the hoodlums was recovered while four (4) others sustained injuries. Our battle ready Policemen successfully repelled an attack on our police station at Okokomaiko by the armed hoodlums. The divisional crime officer sustained deep injuries during the operation but responding to treatment at the Hospital.”
Zubairu Muazu, however advised residents of Lagos to go about their lawful duties without any fear of molestation. “Let me use this medium to sound a big warning to initiators and distributors of fake news. We will identify you, isolate you and bring you to justice. To the good and law abiding people of Lagos State, do not just believe everything you see on the social media, you are free to always verify such information or news from us before attempting to press the forward button on your phone, so that you will not become a victim of fake news. Remember, together we can continue to make Lagos State safe for all” he concluded.