Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Lagos Police Command has confirmed the death of a man hit by stray bullet during an encounter between SARS Operatives and robbery gang and cultists in Lagos.
According to the Lagos State Police spokesperson DSP Bala Elkana, State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Operatives led by Insp Mohammed Akeem While being led by a suspected notorious gang leader Ikechukwu Monye ‘male’ 39 years old, to where their arms are kept, were ambushed by members of the gang along Ajisegiri Street Ilupeju.
The assailants shot sporadically and in the processed killed a middle age man who was passing by. Reinforcement was quickly drafted to the scene and the whole area was cordoned with a view of apprehending the members of the gang and bring them to justice.
Elkana stated that Ilupeju area of Lagos state 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. They have been on the wanted list of the Police for murder of six persons during three robbery operations that they carried out”
The Command condemned the killings of innocent persons by those criminal elements and will not also tolerate attacks on its personnel by criminal elements and vowed to bring an end to the activities of this deadly gang.
The police also advised the public to remain calm as the Command has intensified patrols and surveillance in the affected areas.
Meanwhile the corpse of the victim of the violent attack has been removed and deposited at the mortuary for post mortem examination.
The Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased person and assured them that justice will prevail.