Segun Atanda/
If you’re looking for trouble, we’ll give it to you double.
That appears to be the message from the police in Lagos today after some armed youths set their patrol vehicle ablaze.
“The CP warns that henceforth attempts to burn police property will be viewed as arson and the police might be forced to use maximum force to prevent that from happening,” the Lagos State police spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, says in a statement today.
He explained why the Commissioner of Police (CP) Imohimi Edgal had taken it easy with the rampaging youths earlier and why the police could take sterner measures henceforth.
Oti stated: “Some youths from Olumokun community in Amukoko area of Ajegunle, engaged the youths of Layinka Street, Ajegunle, in a free for all on the streets of the sprawling community. Weapons of various descriptions were freely used by the hoodlums during the clash.
“In the melee, policemen from Ajeromi Police station, Ajegunle, quickly intervened but under a strict warning from the Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, not to use their firearms.
“However, the youths of Olumokun community, Amukoko while retreating, stumbled on a disused police patrol car parked under the bridge at Layeni and set it ablaze.
“To avoid reprisals, the Commissioner of Police directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to engage the traditional heads (Bale) of the various communities in Ajegunle in dialogue to ensure that the peace in the area is no longer breached by hoodlums masquerading as youths.
“The CP warns that henceforth attempts to burn police property will be viewed as arson and the police might be forced to use maximum force to prevent that from happening.
“The area is calm while a contingent of policemen from the Police Mobile Force and Op Mesa are on the ground to ensure security.”
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