An unidentified man was killed by soldiers in Otto, Lagos mainland, during a confrontation. These soldiers were stationed to protect Chinese construction workers working on railway maintenance. The local youths, some referred to as ‘Omo onile’, frequently had disagreements with these workers.
An informant mentioned, “The Chinese switched from using police for protection, feeling they couldn’t manage the local youths, hence they opted for soldiers.”
The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted the incident was outside their jurisdiction, pointing towards the Railway Command. However, attempts to reach the Railway Command were unsuccessful.
Yet, an inside source from the police expressed concern over the increasing incidents involving soldiers in Lagos, stating, “This is escalating. We can’t let this continue unchecked. When these soldiers embark on such operations, they remain unidentifiable without tags.”
In a captured video, two soldiers among three were spotted firing shots, causing chaos among residents. A voice in the background exclaimed about the fatality caused by the officer. Another video showed the deceased in a pool of blood, surrounded by mourning individuals.
Lt Col Ayeni, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, hasn’t yet responded to outreach attempts.
