LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condoled with the family, friends and associates of Gafaru Buraimoh, who was reportedly killed by a Police Officer at Happy Land estate in the Ajah axis on Wednesday, 7 December, 2022.
The incident was said to have angered residents and passersby, who gathered at the scene in protest against the killing.
A viral video showed moments the crowd were scampering for safety as well-equipped policemen fired teargas into the air to disperse them.
Narrating the incident, a tweep, @Debbzdee said: “This morning at about 8pm, @PoliceNG murdered a young man in cold blood right in front of Ajiwe police station Ajah.
“When the crowd gathered and started questioning the police taking pictures and making videos..These cowards brought their troops and started shooting tear gas at people!”
Another tweep, Adigun, gave an update on the incident. He said: “Gafar’s body is lying helplessly in the car. Aggrieved people are setting road block at the front of Ajiwe police station Ajah”
The state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident, said the Officer, whose name he didn’t disclose has been arrested and disarmed.
Hundeyin noted that the Lagos State Police Command, through the Area Commander, Elemoro and the Divisional Police Officer of the area, has notified contact with the victim’s family.
He commiserated with the family of the deceased, assuring that investigation has commenced to determine the remote cause of the incident.
In a statement released by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, the Governor expressed sadness over the death of the late Buraimoh.
He pledged that the state Government would work with the police in their investigation to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the shooting that led to the untimely death of an innocent citizen, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.
He said: “No one deserves to die in that manner. Buraimoh was one of our million citizens with hope for a better life. His death is a sad episode for me personally and the State as whole because injury to one is injury to all.
“I am aware that the Lagos State police command has immediately arrested, disarmed and detained the police officer involved in the shooting incident and has also begun a full scale investigation in the matter.
“I therefore urge the residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands on the matter, knowing fully we, as the Government would not spare anything to ensure that justice is served.”
The Governor added that his office is earnestly awaiting the full report of the investigation launched by the police authorities on the unfortunate incident.