THE Nigerian Army has announced that it is currently investigating the killing of a police inspector in the Ojo area of Lagos, by its officers attached to the 81 division.
According to media reports, the deceased police inspector identified as Monday Orukpe died after soldiers of the Army Ordinance Corp beat him to a state of a coma on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.
It was reported that trouble started when the soldiers, who were on a bus, reportedly got stuck in traffic around the Trade Fair area of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
When they realised that the traffic was caused by officers attempting to make a way for a truck driver to link the Expressway, the soldiers came down from the bus and confronted the police team including an ASP, three Inspectors, and one Sergeant.
As the scene got heated over the ensuing disagreement, the soldiers attacked the officers and seized the ASP’s rifle. The two soldiers got angry and pounced on them, abducted them into their bus, and drove them to Ojo Cantonment.
It was gathered that before they left the scene, a third policeman was to be abducted but that, he fired gunshots into the air and the soldiers retreated, enabling him to escape.
The Acting Deputy Director 81 Division Public Relations, Major Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the incident on Friday, August 5, 2022.
“The attention of the 81 Division has been drawn to a story online over the unfortunate incident that occurred between some soldiers and policemen around Ojo in Lagos resulting in the loss of the life of a police officer.
“The Division is already in touch with the Lagos State Police Command to resolve the matter. This incident is highly regrettable given the Division’s disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct,” Major Osoba said in a statement.
According to him, the Division has instituted a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident.
“At the end of the investigation, anyone found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the disciplinary provisions.
“Consequently, the Division wishes to commiserate with the Ojo Police Division and members of the family of the victim,” he added.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, equally confirmed the incident.
“We are working with the Nigerian army authorities to resolve this issue; and get back our officer, arms, and ammunition still them.
“RIP to our fallen hero. You absolutely did not have to die,” he tweeted on Friday, August 5, 2022.
