The Lagos police command on Monday dismissed the rumour that some persons suspected to be political thugs attacked Igbo traders in Oshodi area of Lagos on Monday.
There was an unconfirmed report that the Igbos were being attacked at Oshodi for voting Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, and not President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, a statement signed by Chike Oti, spokesperson of the Lagos police command, dismissed the report. The statement added that the police had intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to allay the fears of members of the public.
“The attention of the Lagos State police command has been drawn to the news on the internet to the effect that a group of boys popularly called the ‘Area boys’ were attacking Igbo traders at Oshodi, preventing them from opening their shops.
“The command wishes to debunk the rumour in its entirety as nothing could be further from the truth.
“Although the command received distress calls from concerned Nigerians whose apprehensions were understandably heightened by the disturbing rumours emanating from some social media platforms.
“The command swiftly and massively deployed its personnel drawn from various units to Oshodi and environs to assuage the feelings of residents,’’ Oti said.
The police assured the residents of their readiness to deal with any person or group of persons attempting to breach the public peace in any part of Lagos.
Oti quoted the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state as commending the residents of Lagos for conducting themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner during the elections.
“The police with support of other sister security agencies worked round the clock to ensure that the process was generally peaceful.
“In order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere, the command will maintain a high level of police presence in all parts of the state with emphasis on crime prone areas.
“Those celebrating should do that with modesty while those unhappy with the results have the privilege of adhering with laid down procedures of addressing their grievances as provided by the Electoral Act in the tribunal.
“The command has made adequate arrangements to secure the venues of the election tribunals in the state.
“The command however, warns criminally minded people and disgruntled elements to steer clear of the state or be prepared to contend with security forces in the state,’’ he said.
JOSHUA BASSEY
