The Nigerian Army has denied burning a police station to avenge the death of a soldier who was allegedly stabbed to death by a police officer, on Wednesday, at Ogijo community in Lagos state.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, said that it was an angry crowd that attacked a Police Station, following the death of the soldier.
According to him, the mob who witnessed the unfortunate incident took advantage of it and attacked the Police Station in the community.
Explaining what transpired, he said the slain soldier was trying to confirm the identity of an improperly dressed police officer who was standing by their vehicle.
“The victim confronted the suspect who was not properly dressed and standing very close to the Patrol Vehicle of Operation MESA to confirm his identity.
“This led to an argument and subsequently, the unfortunate incident.
“The soldier was immediately rushed to Lagos State Polytechnic Hospital, Odogunyan, for medical attention, but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The remains of the soldier have been moved to 174 Battalion Medical Centre in Ikorodu”, he stated.
He noted that the police officer had been arrested and kept in military custody for safety, adding that he would be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution.
He stated that troops had been deployed around the vicinity of all the police stations in Ikorodu to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Ayeni, however, said the situation had been brought under control and normalcy had returned to the community.
