Lagos confirms Ile Epo unrest, denies police station fire

There was panic in the popular Ile-Epo market in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos state on Monday afternoon as rampaging “hoodlums” tried to set a police station ablaze.

Scores of security operatives have since bombarded the market to forestall an attack as buyers and sellers in the busy market scampered for safety.

An on-duty police officer was said to have clashed with one of the market boys.

The market boy, Punch reported, tried to hijack the officer’s rifle and a bullet was discharged in the process.

It was also learnt that the market boy was rushed to a hospital in the area.

Hoodlums, in protest, then tried to burn down a police station at the back of the market.

They were, however, repelled when more men of the Lagos State Police Command arrived at the scene.

Images shared online about the incident showed thick smoke rising from an area that appeared near the scene of the clash, fuelling speculations that the station was razed.

But the police said that was not the case. The same message was echoed by government media aides.

State police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said normalcy has been restored in the area.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered for thorough investigation into the incident,” Adejobi said.

“The command wishes to debunk the rumour that Ile Epo Police Station was set ablaze by the hoodlums.

“This news is false and should be disregarded. The command intends to give details of the incident as soon as possible.”