Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 18 suspects in connection with a violent clash in Ilemba Hausa, a community in the Ojo area of Lagos.
The clash, which involved youths in the neighbourhood, was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, showing groups of young men hurling dangerous objects at one another as the situation escalated.
Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, Adebisi Abimbola, told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the suspects had been taken into custody.
“Eighteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the clash and are currently in police custody,” she said.
Abimbola added that the situation had been brought under control, with senior officers deployed to the area to oversee the restoration of peace.
She assured residents that normalcy had returned and urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
A police source in the community told our correspondent that the Baale (community head) had been summoned by the area commander over the extent of damage recorded during the clash.
“The Baale was summoned by the area commander because of the level of destruction caused. Some youths broke into shops in the course of the clash,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the command dismissed claims that two police officers, including the Divisional Police Officer of the Ilemba Hausa Division, were killed during a related incident at Iyana Ojo.
In a post on her X handle, the police spokesperson described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that no police personnel or civilians were killed.
“Police operatives responded promptly to the situation, and normalcy has since been restored. Officers remain on ground to maintain a visible presence and ensure sustained peace,” she said.
She further clarified that the videos circulating online were not related to the incident and should not be treated as credible evidence.
Abimbola urged the public to verify information from official and credible sources before sharing, warning against the spread of misinformation capable of causing panic.
The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
