The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, confirmed that indeed a soldier was killed by a policeman on Wednesday in Lagos State.
The confirmation is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director, Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army.
Ayeni said the victim (soldier) allegedly confronted the suspect (policeman) who was not properly dressed and standing very close to a patrol vehicle of Operation MESA, to confirm his identity.
“This led to an argument and subsequently, the unfortunate incident.
“The soldier was immediately rushed to the Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but was declared dead on arrival.
“The corpse of the soldier has been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu,” the army spokesperson added.
He said the suspect was arrested and kept in military custody for his safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.
“However, an angry mob, who witnessed the unfortunate incident, took advantage of this and attacked the Police Station in the community.
“Troops have been deployed around the vicinity of all police stations in Ikorodu area to prevent breakdown of law and order.
“The situation is under control as normalcy has returned to the community,” Ayeni said.
Reports say the angry mob at Ogijo community, a border town between Ogun and Lagos states, on Wednesday, attacked a police station following the death of the soldier, who was allegedly stabbed by the policeman.
– NAN