A personnel of the Nigeria army, have reportedly stabbed an officer of the Nigeria Police Force identified as Inspector Saka Ganiyu to death in a clash
Raye24reporters learnt that the incident, which occurred at the Volks bus stop along the Ojo/Iyana-Iba road in Lagos, involved a team of policemen and a group of soldiers.
It was gathered that the incident resulted in the death of the officer, who is a member of the Task Force Unit stationed at Oshodi Base.
The police officers were reportedly engaged in enforcement duties when they stopped an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus that was driving against traffic, operated by a soldier in civilian clothing.
An altercation arose between the soldier and the police, during which the driver, who later identified himself as a soldier, summoned his fellow soldiers from Ojo Cantonment Barracks.
According to Vanguard, the soldiers arrived at the scene and attacked the police officers with lethal weapons.
A backup team of policemen quickly responded to the situation and fended off the soldiers.
However, by that time, Inspector Ganiyu had reportedly sustained a stab wound from the soldier and was losing blood rapidly.
According to police sources, he was subsequently rescued and transported to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja for medical attention, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of this report, the body of the deceased policeman had been placed in the morgue at LASUTH, while the soldier accused of inflicting the fatal wound was taken into custody at the 9 Brigade in Ikeja Cantonment.
When reached for comment, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, stated that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Incident Is Being Investigated – Army Authorities Declare
Naija News reports that Army Authorities have characterized the incident as unfortunate, assuring the public that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out and suitable disciplinary actions will be implemented to uphold justice.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the “Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident that occurred on October 9, 2024, involving a soldier and a policeman following an altercation related to an alleged traffic rule violation.
“The incident, which is presently under investigation, escalated and resulted in the death of the policeman. The soldier suspected to have committed the offence has since been apprehended and handed over to the Military Police for investigation and further disciplinary procedures.
“The incident is highly regrettable, given the Division’s commitment to the Nigerian Army Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement. The Nigerian Army has continuously sensitized its personnel not to engage in activities that would tarnish its image and bridge the trust with other security agencies as well as the civil populace.”
