The Lagos State Police Command has reopened the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto–Ijanikin axis after a violent clash between youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities disrupted traffic and resulted in one death.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Command confirmed that the expressway, which had been blocked for several hours, was fully cleared and reopened to motorists around 9:00am.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a combined team of police operatives and tactical units to the scene to restore order and ensure the resumption of free movement along the corridor.
The police disclosed that a man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin sustained gunshot injuries during the clash and later died at the hospital. Addressing public speculation, the Command said preliminary findings ruled out police involvement in the shooting, noting that intelligence reports indicated that cultists brought in by both factions had engaged in a gun duel before officers arrived at the scene.
Seven suspects linked to the violence have been arrested from both communities.
Police said those in custody have made voluntary statements admitting their respective roles in the clash.
A locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges were also recovered from one of the suspects.
The Command added that tactical squads and anti-riot personnel have been deployed across the affected areas and nearby bushes to track down other suspects who fled during the disturbance.
Warning against further breaches of public peace, the police said anyone found instigating or sponsoring violence would face the full force of the law.
Parents and guardians were also urged to caution their wards against acts capable of endangering lives and property.
The update followed reports from residents calling for increased security deployment in Ijanikin, Agbara and Oto Awori amid fears of growing gang activity.
In response, the police assured residents that adequate personnel had been mobilised to maintain calm and prevent any resurgence of violence.
The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, as officers remain on the ground to sustain peace and reassure the public.
