The Lagos State Police Command has restored calm to Owode Onirin following a violent clash between traders and suspected land grabbers that left three people dead and a police officer critically injured.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that one Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, has been declared wanted in connection with the deadly incident.
He remarked that the disturbance disrupted public peace and led to the blockage of roads in and out of the Owode Onirin Market in Lagos.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, in a swift response led a coordinated police intervention involving officers from the Operations Department, the Police Mobile Force, Rapid Response Squad, tactical units, and detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“Normalcy was promptly restored, roads were reopened and people resumed their lawful activities. The Commissioner has ordered the continued deployment of security personnel in the area to prevent a recurrence of violence,” the PPRO stated.
During the clash, three civilians sustained fatal injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital. A police inspector who was also attacked remained in critical condition and was receiving treatment, with doctors describing his condition as life-threatening.
Preliminary investigations have linked Abiodun Ariori to the violent confrontation. “All efforts to effect his arrest have so far proved abortive, and it is very clear that he has gone into hiding,” the police said.
Ariori, whose last known address is in Egbeda, has been declared wanted, and the public is urged to report any information on his whereabouts to the police.
In a related disciplinary move, four police officers brought into Lagos by the suspect have been detained and were facing internal disciplinary proceedings. The officers are accused of illegally accompanying Ariori on a private mission. “The outcome of the investigation and the trial of the policemen will be made public,” Hundeyin averred .
In a separate incident, police also quelled a violent altercation at Balogun Market earlier in the day. Contrary to widespread speculation, the police clarified that the fight was not a tribal clash but a confrontation between local miscreants.
“At about 11 a.m., one Ebuka Adindu from Abia State fatally stabbed Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State during a fight and later stabbed himself in the shoulder,” the police confirmed. Adindu is currently in police custody under hospital care and will be charged once he is medically fit.
Police emphasised that no innocent bystanders were harmed, nor was there any damage to goods or market property during the Balogun Market incident.
The Command reiterated that Lagos remains peaceful and urged residents not to panic or spread false information. “The Commissioner of Police calls on all residents to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with law enforcement officers to sustain peace in the state,” CSP Hundeyin concluded.
Residents with any information regarding Abiodun Ariori’s whereabouts were encouraged to contact the Lagos Police Command via the control room numbers: 08063299264, 09053872208, or 08127155150, or by email at [[email protected]]
