On the night of Sunday, 24th April 2022, two persons were reportedly killed while two others injured after a drunk policeman on illegal duty offered gun salutes to celebrate a businessman’s birthday in Lagos State.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at La Silva Bar, Egbeda in Alimosho area of the State at about 9pm during a birthday party.
The cop, who allegedly fled the scene of the incident having realized what he had done, was said to have been invited by the celebrant identified as Ifeanyi alias Asiwaju of Computer Village, Lagos.
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The gory videos of the ugly mayhem, which has gone viral on the social media, alleged that the cop wanted to shoot into the air while other guests were spraying money on the celebrant but unfortunately fired at them instead.
It suffices to assert that, in the long run, the drunk cop killed the people he was called to protect. He was graciously invited or contracted by the celebrant for security, or to ensure safety at the arena, but he allegedly ended up creating a state of doom. What an irony of life!
The Lagos Police Command has launched a manhunt for the cop and it was reported that the celebrant had gone into hiding since Sunday night.
The State’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Abiodun Alabi has ordered their immediate arrest, to consequently commence disciplinary action and prosecution, respectively.
The police boss, it was gathered, was particularly interested in knowing how the operative who was said to be off duty, got the rifle he used at the said party.
It was learnt that two of the guests were arrested by policemen attached to Gowon Estate Division after the bar’s owner, Sylvanus Chukwukezie made a complaint.
When contacted for reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the details of the incident were still sketchy but assured the Command would not rest on its responsibility until everyone culpable was brought to justice.
He said: “I can confirm there was shooting at the bar on Sunday night and two persons were killed. We are investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting. I can assure you that those responsible will not go free. They will face the music.
“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Abiodun Alabi has zero tolerance for such behaviours and has already given marching orders to the DPO to fish out the culprits.
It’s indeed high that the concerned authorities went the extra mile towards checking the excesses of Nigeria’s police officers, to include those serving in offices, various authorized checkpoints as well as the ones attached to some establishments across the country.
It’s no longer news that their mode of services in recent times has really called for an outcry by Nigeria’s civilians. Hence, the compelling need to ensure that the service Riot Act is regularly and severely read to their hearing and understanding.
How could a cop attempt to shoot in the air at such an enclosed venue as portrayed in the viral video? Even if he was drunk, was it the first time he would find himself in such a mood? It suffices to assert that there are many questions begging for answers in regard to this ordeal.
The Police, and other related security agencies, must ensure that anyone who is organizing an event, and intends to have the services of security personnel, ought to pass through the required official statutory processes as recognized by the authority.
For crying out loud, we, as a people, cannot continue to wail or repeat the same thing on a daily basis, as if the society isn’t governed or led by anyone.