By Emeka Okafor
The Lagos State Police Command has denied killing the 14-year-old girl who reportedly died from a stray bullet alleged fired by security operatives during the Yoruba Nation rally held at the Ojota area of Lagos on Saturday.
Lagos Police in a statement signed by its spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described media reports accusing police of responsibility for the death of the teenager, believed to be drink seller, as false.
It stated that operatives of the command did not fire live bullets during the protest, adding that its investigation revealed that the deceased might have died from injury sustained from a sharp object and not bullet.
“The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a news making rounds that a 14 year-old girl was hit and killed by police bullet today 3rd July, 2021 at the venue of the Oodua Republic Mega Rally in Ojota, Lagos.
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“The Command hereby wishes to debunk the rumour and state categorically that it’s a calculated attempt to create confusion and fears in the minds of the good people of Lagos State and the country at large.
“The Command did not fire a single live bullet at Ojota rally today. The said corpse was found wrapped and abandoned at a distance, far from Ojota venue of the rally, behind MRS Filling Station, inward Maryland, on the other side of the venue, with dried blood stains suggesting that the corpse is not fresh. After a close look at the corpse, a wound suspectedly sustained from a sharp object was seen on it.
“The news is false and mischievous. The Command therefore urges the general public to disregard the news and go about their lawful normal daily activities while investigation to unravel the incident will commence immediately.
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“The Commissioner of Police,Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, therefore commiserates with the family of the found deceased and assures that thorough investigation will be carried out”, the statement said.
It further urged members of the public from spreading fake reports capable of threatening the peace in the state.
