Hoodlums Sack Police Station In Lagos

The Ajeromi Police Station in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, was yesterday torched by people suspected to be hoodlums.

The burning of the station followed a face-off between the police and some suspected criminals in the area, which left in its trail some casualties.

Our correspondent  reports that the incident caused some residents to flee the area.

Trouble started when police raided some black spots in Ajegunle and in the process, some people allegedly lost their lives.

“The raid was first carried out on Friday leading to the arrest of a suspect and the death of another. This provoked violent reactions from some youths in the area.

“On Saturday, they mobilised and launched an attack on the police and in the process, some deaths were recorded. What we saw was the burning down of the police station,’’ a witness said.

The casualty figures could not be ascertained by yesterday afternoon but unconfirmed reports said two persons had been killed.

Confirmed reports say the Rapid Response Squad were seen patrolling the area while Armoured Personnel Carriers were deployed in strategic locations. Fire-fighters and police were also making frantic efforts to put out the fire.

Contacted, the Lagos State Police Spokesman, Mr Frank Mba, confirmed the incident, but said he had not received the details. “I have been informed of the crisis, but I do not have the details yet,’’ he said.