The Lagos State Police Command has started an investigation into the suspected arson attack at the Akere Motor Spare Parts Market, Tolu, Olodi Apapa in Lagos on Wednesday morning.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, it stated that the ‘fire which started at about 0300hrs was put out by a combined team of officers from Tolu Police Division and the Lagos State Fire Service.
Sadly, a 65-year-old security guard lost his life in the incident.’
The statement reads: “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has urged Lagosians to remain calm as the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to take over investigation towards unraveling the true circumstances surrounding the attack.
He equally calls for restraints in giving any form of extraneous coloration to the incident, while assuring that the outcome of the investigation will be made public.’
Meanwhile the Labour Party candidate in the Lagos State Governorship election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has visited the market to assess the level of damage done.
While reminding residents that the State was built on harmony and cooperation, he called on them not to be intimidated but promised that the State will rebuild.
He wrote: “I am on the ground in Akere Market, Ifelodun to assess the damage done by a fire allegedly set by an arsonist & political thugs.
“This is most unfortunate. Our politics should be about ideas, not violence.
“Ajegunle people, do not be intimidated. We will rebuild together.
“Lagos is built on harmony and cooperation, it is the center of excellence, despicable violence & fanning the flames of ethnic tension has no place in this beautiful state.
“We all have to live together in Lagos after the elections. No political ambition is worth the lives or livelihood of our people.
“No place should be threatened or destroyed for having differing political choices. It breaks my heart to see this happen in Lagos, it must end.”
