Six policemen killed during #EndSARS unrest in Lagos

Joy Anyim

Commissioner of Police in Lagos State Police Command, Hakeem Odumosu, has said six policemen were killed by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protest in the state.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Tuesday, Odumosu said the officers were killed after hoodlums unleashed mayhem on 42 police formations in the state.

The police boss said four civilians also lost their lives in the unrest, as 38 policemen sustained various degrees of injuries.

According to Mr. Odumosu, 71 police vehicles were burnt and vandalised. He said, “Sixteen police stations were set ablaze during the unrest. They included Orile, Amukoko, Layeni, Old Area J Command Ajah, Elemoro, New Area J Command Elemoro, Igando, Ebute-Ero, Ajah and its barracks and Ilasamaja Police Stations. Others were Makinde and its barracks, Ikotun, Isokoko, Pen-Cinema, Onipanu, Alade Police Stations.

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“Thirteen other police formations, amongst which were Ojo and Ojodu Stations were affected. Police Posts burnt were Cele, Ilogbo-Elerin, Shibiri, defunct anti-cultism office, Gbagada, Defunct SARS Office Onilekere, Makoko, Daleko, Ashamu, Makinyo, Amuwo-Odofin, Defunct Anti-Kidnapping Office, Surulere and Old SARS Office Ajegunle.

“During the unrest, the police posts that were vandalised by the hoodlums included PPL, Mowo, Morogbo, Ikota and Mawa police posts.

“Six police personnel were gruesomely murdered during the unrest. They were:  ASP Yard Edward attached to Denton Station, INSP Olayinka Erinfolami attached to the defunct Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Insp. Adegbenro Aderibigbe attached to Meiran Division, Sergeant Abejide Abiodun, attacked to Department of Operations, Headquaters , and two others attached to Orile Division

“Four civilians lost their lives during the crises. Thirty Eight policemen from various formations/locations within the state were injured.

“A total of 58 police vehicles at various locations within the state were burnt. Thirteen police vehicles were vandalised.”

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Giving further details on the unrest, the Police Chief stated that 62 vehicles belonging to individuals and those connected with some pending cases (exhibits) were burnt while nine vehicles were vandalised by the hoodlums.

“Fifteen motorcycles and tricycles were burnt, while 65 were vandalised at various locations within the state.

“Public facilities set ablaze,  while some were partly torched, ” he said.

The police boss said several private facilities and investments were also vandalised and looted.

The state police chief said some of the looted items from the outlets and offices have been recovered.

Similarly, the Command said 520 suspects were arrested in connection with arson, robberies, murder, rioting, malicious damage and unlawful possession of fire arms.