Tension In Yaba As Police Foil Bank Attack, Arrest 18 At Tejuosho Market

According to Ireporter Online, the Lagos State Police Command has foiled what could have been a deadly attack on a commercial bank and restored calm to the bustling Tejuosho Market following a violent disturbance.

The command confirmed on Friday that 18 individuals described as “hoodlums and miscreants” were arrested after hijacking a protest over power outage and turning it into a violent confrontation. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Oluseyi quoted the Commissioner as warning that attacks on security personnel and destruction of property would not be tolerated. He also urged Lagos residents to respect police officers as they carry out their duty of safeguarding lives and property.

The disturbance reportedly began around 2:30 p.m. under the guise of a protest but soon escalated into violence as some individuals disrupted business activities, assaulted passers-by, and attempted to invade a commercial bank. Police officers stationed at the bank repelled the first assault and quickly called for reinforcements.

Anti-riot squads and tactical teams were immediately deployed, dispersing the rioters and securing the area. In total, 18 suspects were apprehended at the scene, with investigations ongoing to identify and arrest others involved.

The police command assured traders and residents that normalcy has since been restored, stressing that business activities could continue without fear.

Friday’s chaos came barely a day after two suspected cultists were arrested in Akoka with a firearm. The police further dismissed reports of three fatalities in a cult clash at Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, though recent clashes across Lagos have left several people dead.

Oluseyi reaffirmed that the command would intensify operations to dismantle cult groups and criminal gangs disturbing the peace of the state.