Ile-Epo Violence: Police Arrest 50, Uncover Drug Den

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has restored order in Ile-Epo area of Lagos, following violent clashes and the discovery of a clandestine drug den, officials said Thursday.

Recall that LEADERSHIP earlier reported that the disturbances, which erupted Wednesday night in the Abule Egba area, resulted in injuries and significant property damage, including fires and the destruction of goods at local market in the area.

Tensions escalated in the local market on Wednesday and persisted into Thursday morning, culminating in police intervention led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oke-Odo. According to a police statement, more than 50 suspects have been detained in connection with the unrest.

“Over fifty suspects have so far been arrested while the shanties they occupied have been destroyed, effectively dislodging them,” said the police in the statement.

During the operation, officers uncovered a hidden drug den, revealing the extent of the criminal network operating within the community. This discovery has raised concerns about the prevalence of drug-related activities in the area.

The operation drew comments from the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who detailed the findings in a press release.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has consequently ordered the immediate prosecution of the suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the prompt prosecution of the arrested hoodlums and has equally warned that the Command would decisively deal with anyone found breaching the peace, in accordance with the law,” the statement continued.

Authorities, including the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Area Commander Alagbado, and several Divisional Police Officers, remained vigilant in the area to prevent further disturbances.