There was pandemonium at Ori Oke community in Makoko, Lagos State, on Thursday as armed policemen and officials of the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers Act of Apostle Church in Makoko, Ebute Metta Yaba over land dispute.
The deceased – Kola Iwalokun and Emola Julius – were allegedly shot dead by the police, while many others reportedly sustained gunshot injuries in the incident.
A church, The Acts of Apostle Church, which houses several buildings and about 15 makeshift shops, was said to have been set ablaze by the enforcement agents.
In a reprisal, angry youths reportedly invaded a police post in the Adekunle area, a neighbouring community, and destroyed some valuables, including some vehicles parked in the station.
It was gathered that the task force officials, accompanied by the policemen, had raided the community around 10am to evict the residents, whose buildings were constructed on a disputed parcel of land.
The policemen allegedly shot indiscriminately to scare away the residents.
One of the resident, who identifies self as Ajimuda Thompson on Facebook shared photos of the remains of the church after the invasion by security operatives.
Speaking on the incident, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, said one person was killed in the clash, adding that the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, had ordered an investigation into the incident.
He said, “The task force on land grabbers went to work in the community because they had a valid court order to execute in that location. Unfortunately, they were attacked by youths of that area, who mobilised in large number to fight the law enforcement officers. A call came to the police to rescue those task force men, but by the time the police got there, there was information that somebody was shot and rushed to a hospital, where he died.
“The police intervened because they were called upon by the task force that the youths were firing at them. The prompt intervention of the police brought the situation under control.
“However, the CP has directed the Area Commander, Area C, Surulere, to investigate the incident and report back for necessary action. As usual, the outcome will be communicated to members of the public.”