Nigeria: Tragic Fatality: Woman Loses Life During Police Enforcement of Okada Ban in Lagos
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In a somber turn of events, the residents of Santos, a suburban community in Lagos, found themselves in distress on Tuesday as news spread of the tragic death of an unidentified woman. The unfortunate incident occurred in the Abule-Egba Area of Lagos and was directly linked to the police’s enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles in that specific region.
According to reports, the police team faced a precarious situation as they sought to carry out the motorcycle ban enforcement. To thwart a potential mob attack by motorcycle riders in Santos Avenue, Abule-Egba, tear gas was employed by the police officers to disperse the gathering crowd. Regrettably, amidst the chaos, a yet-to-be-identified woman, a passenger in a tricycle, panicked at the deployment of tear gas and leaped from the moving vehicle.
Tragically, her attempt to escape the unfolding situation resulted in her being struck by a Leyland tipper, bearing registration number AAB 376 CB, that was recklessly driven. The driver of the tipper hastily fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of grief and shock. Authorities have successfully recovered the vehicle, and efforts are underway to locate the driver.
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, providing insight into the preliminary investigation. He emphasized the use of tear gas as a measure to protect the police officers and prevent casualties among the riders.
Efforts are being made to reach out to the family of the deceased, and a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident has been initiated.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this unfortunate event, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and unintended consequences that can arise in the course of law enforcement activities. The need for a thorough investigation and accountability in such instances becomes crucial to provide solace to the affected families and ensure a safer environment for all residents.
