By Deborah Akpede

The Police have explained how demand for N100 from a motorcyclist lead to violent clash that claimed three lives in Ikola, Alimosho LGA of Lagos State on Thursday.

Two persons were also injured in the incident, the spokesperson for Lagos Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement.

She added that an investigation had begun into the incident.

She, however, said preliminary information indicated that the violence began when suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded N200.

According to her, the rider refused to pay, prompting the group to allegedly seize his tricycle.

According to her, the rider later returned with some persons, resulting in a violent confrontation between the two groups.

“Three persons were killed, while two others sustained injuries during the clash,” she said.

Adebisi added that some buildings were also set ablaze during the ensuing violence.

She said the deceased and injured persons were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for medical attention and other necessary procedures.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, visited the scene alongside Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Afolabi Owolabi.

The officials assessed the situation and coordinated the security response to restore normalcy in the area.

Operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Squad and Police Mobile Force in Lagos were deployed.

Other deployed formations included the Eko Strike Force and Violent Crime Response Unit, she said.

The police spokesperson said the security personnel were maintaining law and order, adding that the situation was firmly under control.

“The command has begun an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law,” she said.

Adebisi urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.

She also encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation. (NAN)

DOA/KTO

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo