Matilda Omonaiye/
Three persons were reportedly shot to death by soldiers at Kara community in Ogun State, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during Isheri day celebrations last night.
According to eyewitnesses, a man identified as Tiri and his soldier escort were beaten to a pulp following an altercation at the event.
The soldier whose gun was allegedly seized mobilised his colleagues from 81 Division, who stormed the area and opened fire on his suspected assailants.
Three people reportedly died and several others injured.
Military authorities, however, denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Clement Abiade, said the report was aimed at distracting military operations at checkmating insecurity.
He said, “For avoidance of the doubt and the need for clarity, the true situation is that the troops of 81 Division, Nigerian Army, deployed in internal security in Kara general area of Lagos, following a distress call made a prompt intervention to forestall grievous bloody clash among the so-called “Isheri boys” yesterday evening.
“The clash, reported to have started between the group members culminated into lawlessness and anarchy, harassing innocent citizens in the area who were supposedly expected to be enjoying their eid maulid festival. The troops dispersed this group who have constituted themselves into a public nuisance and accordingly restored peace to the area.
“Sadly, one of our gallant soldiers got a machete cut in the head and was immediately evacuated to Gentalbert Hospital for first aid treatment and subsequent transfer to Military Hospital. He is responding to treatment.
“Also reported was a stabbed civilian brought to the same hospital by another civilian while efforts were ongoing to get doctors to attend to the injured soldier.”
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, also confirmed the incident.