The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims that armed individuals attacked Ajebo Community close to Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, wounding locals, discharging firearms, and stealing belongings.
An online article from a media outlet reported that “gunmen” attacked residents of Ajebo, causing injuries and property damage prior to police intervention.
The account reported that the turmoil started on Monday and persisted until Tuesday afternoon, with many inhabitants fleeing their residences due to fears of renewed assaults, and claimed that attackers brandished axes, machetes, and firearms during the supposed incursion. The community leader was reported as labeling the situation a “nightmare” and mentioning obstructed roads and efforts to intimidate police personnel during rescue operations.
In a Friday statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police labeled the report as “mischievous, untrue, and misleading,” clarifying that the event in the community was a land conflict between two families.
According to the statement, joint police intervention teams, which included tactical squads, PMF anti-riot personnel, and policemen from the Agbowa Division, immediately restored order in the area.
“The incidents that occurred are a land dispute between two families within the AJEBO Community that led to chaos and confusion in the village. Upon receiving the report, the joint police intervention teams comprising the Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riot Police personnel, conventional police personnel from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special police units from Lagos Police Command Headquarters, as well as others stationed at Agbowa, were immediately deployed to the location. Normalcy was promptly restored, and the people of the Community continued to go about their normal business and other activities of livelihood.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a swift investigation into the matter. Preliminary findings indicated that the rioting was due to a land dispute rather than a firearms attack. The leaders of the opposing families have been identified and summoned by police for questioning.
“Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed a prompt intervention and investigation into the incident. Preliminary investigation revealed that the disturbance and clashes within the village stemmed from a land dispute between two contending families and not an attack by gunmen against the community.
“No life was lost, and no injuries were inflicted on anyone or the people of the village before and during the clashes, before normalcy was restored and is currently being sustained.
“The Command further wishes to reaffirm that there was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report. No death or injury was also recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere. The detachments of police officers and other tactical squads intervened and acted swiftly and professionally and immediately restored peace and tranquillity throughout the community.”
The police stated they had identified the leaders of the two families involved in the land dispute and invited them to report to the Commissioner of Police for further inquiry. They said that the parties had been severely cautioned to keep the peace and that anyone attempting to cause additional problems would face the full force of the law.
CP Jimoh encouraged the public to avoid spreading disinformation and media outlets to report responsibly. He reminded people that the Lagos State Police are still dedicated to ensuring peace and security throughout the state.
He warned that if the peace is disturbed again, troublemakers will face the full force of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, hereby implores and cautions members of the public against spreading misinformation and urges the writer of the story to desist from publishing reports that are incorrect, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic.
“He stresses the need for responsible reporting for the benefit of the public. He also reassures residents of the affected community, and Lagos State in general, of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order across Lagos State at all times,” the statement read.
