Pandemonium as Police, Navy Clash in Lagos

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Pandemonium erupted at the Ijora Badia area of Lagos, after some police operatives attached to Area B clashed with the personnel of the Nigerian Navy.

It was gathered that the clash was caused by what was initially a minor disagreement over the control of the movement of tankers.

The indiscriminate movement and parking of tankers on that axis has been a thorny issue, thus necessitating the deployment of both forces to maintain order.

Although no casualty was recorded, the minor disagreement soon exacerbated due to undue interference and led to fisticuffs that led to indiscriminate shooting from both camps.

Two policemen identified as Sergeant Tunde and Mogbojuri, attached to Badia Police Station were said to have sustained injuries in the clash.

According to eyewitness account, the incident started when two naval personnel allegedly led a tanker from Western Avenue towards Apapa.

When they were stopped by the police operatives, who wanted to know why the tanker driver jumped the already organised queue, it resulted in an argument.

The matter would have been resolved but for the input of some personnel of the Operation Mesa, who stormed the scene in their pick up van with registration number GGE 499 DZ, with OP MESA 3 inscribed on the body.

Given the beating they had already received and the arrival of the OP MESA, the policemen, who were then out numbered, beat a retreat.

As against past incidents of such nature, the police deferred the matter to the Area Commander instead of going for a reprisal.

As at press time, neither the naval authorities nor the police have responded to the clash.