THE 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, has clarified and debunked the viral reports that its men from the 174 Battalion Odogunyan in Ikorodu were responsible for the burning of the Ogijo Police station, also in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni made the clarification in a statement released on Saturday.
According to the statement, the burning of the police station was carried out by angry mob that witnessed the killing of a soldier and not by soldiers as reported in the media.
Ayeni stated that troops have been deployed around all police stations in Ikorodu to prevent breakdown of law and order.
Explaining the situation that led to the death of the soldier, the Army spokesperson said, “The victim confronted the suspect who was not properly dressed and standing very close to the 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 Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The remains of the soldier has been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu.”
“The suspect has also since been arrested and kept in a military custody for his safety and subsequent hand over to Nigeria Police for prosecution.
“The situation is however under control as normalcy has returned to the community,” he added.
