Lagos crackdown: police officers attacked as protesters kick against coronavirus lockdown

2 Min Read
Armed members of the Nigerian Police Force

During a protest on Monday, not less than five police officers have been injured. It turned to a bloody scenario at Eleko Community in Ibeju-Lekki local government as protesters marched against security agents.

It was gathered that the youthful population of the community stood toe-to-toe with police officers whom they accused of bias in enforcing the coronavirus lockdown policy in the community.

In a recent interview with Premium Times, The incident was confirmed by Bala Elkana, police spokesperson in Lagos state. He added that 51 arrests have been made, following police reinforcement.

According to an eyewitness in the neighbourhood, residents and other company workers in the community were forced to stay in their respective houses, however, expatriates working with Dangote Refinery were left alone to go to their places of work.

It was a sorry state as the youth in the area burnt tyres on the main road to express their displeasure on the ongoing alleged treatment.

Mr Elkana added that the protesters had been disbanded and normalcy restored in the community. He said five police officers were injured by the protesters and vandalised two outposts.
The military have also been deployed to help maintain peace in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki.

At the moment, people are allowed to walk in the community only with their hands up.
People are allowed to walk in the community only with their hands up as at the time this report was made.

The atmosphere in Lagos has been unsettled since the lockdown directive was given four weeks ago and residents and business owners have been through a roller coaster of emotions, including the recent increase in crime.

Nigerians show anxiousness as it is uncertain if President Muhamadu Buhari will end or extend the lockdown order in his address scheduled for 8pm today.

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