One Dead, Seven Arrested as Lagos-Badagry Expressway Becomes War Zone

LAGOS – Panic gripped commuters and residents of the West District on Saturday as a violent confrontation between youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities turned fatal, leaving one person dead and the international highway paralyzed for several hours.

The deceased, identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin, reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during a fierce exchange of fire between rival groups. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Lagos State Police Command has moved swiftly to restore order and address rumors surrounding the fatality. In a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, the police clarified the circumstances of the death.

“From preliminary investigation, it is incorrect and untrue that the deceased died from a stray bullet from the police,” Adebisi stated. “Before police intervention, members of the public informed us that the two sides had brought in cultists who were shooting and engaging in a gun duel. The victim was shot during that shootout.”

Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh personally led a joint team of tactical squads to the scene to clear the blockades and ensure the reopening of the expressway.

While normalcy has been restored to the traffic flow, the tension remains palpable. Tactical units are currently combing the bushes and surrounding communities in Ijanikin and Otto to track down fleeing suspects involved in the violence.

The Police Command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, promising that those responsible for turning the public highway into a battlefield will face the full weight of the law.