There was a shootout on Tuesday between hoodlums and some officers attached to the Federal Operations Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, at White Sand community in Ijora Badia area of Lagos State reportedly left three persons dead and scores, including a Customs officer injured.
Trouble started after one Ojo who was said to be on his way home, was allegedly stabbed to death by some Hausa boys.
The attack on Ojo, according to reports, sparked a riot during which dangerous weapons were freely used by both parties.
While the demolition was ongoing, some Customs officers stormed the community in three patrol vehicles at about 2.30p.m.
The hoodlums were said to have resisted the Customs men, who allegedly attempted to stop the demolition, an action that led to a shootout, during which three persons were reprtedly killed.
It was alleged that the officers fired sporadically to scare off some hoodlums, who were roaming the area.
The officers also suffered casualties as bullets from the hoodlums reportedly hit an officer who is being treated at the Lagoon Hospital, Apapa.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, a Superintendent of Police told newsmen on Wednesday that contrary to the report, only one person died, while two others are recuperating in the hospital.
She said, “The community and the police were on a joint operation of raiding black spots within the community and arresting suspected criminals yesterday.
“In the process, some officers of the Nigerian Customs Service officers, who were with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, had an encounter with some of the hoodlums.
“They fired some shots and three people were hit. As a result, one death was recorded, while two others are receiving treatment in the hospital. Policemen are not involved.”
Meanwhile, residents insisted three persons died. The PPRO said that will be determined upon completion of investigation.
