THISDAYonline

An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) attached to Area A Police Command, Lagos, Mr. Fabian Ojiri, is presently on danger list in an hospital, following the heavy beating he received from some group of people suspected to be military men at Onikan area of the metropolis.

Though, the police authorities in Lagos are presently maintaining a sealed lip over the incident, but, a police source at the command headquarters, Ikeja, said that the incident allegedly occurred following a sharp disagreement that erupted between some police officers attached to Area A Police Command, Lagos, and some soldiers at about 7.30 on Friday, at Falomo end of Ikoyi.

The source said that Ojiri received the beating of his life when he attempted to broker peace between the police and the soldiers who were said to be heading for a clash.

"Three persons are feared dead while several others were said to have sustained severe injuries as a result of the clash" the source said.

Trouble, according to the source, started when some police officers attempted to challenge the rationale behind the physical assault meted out to a policeman attached to Area A, Lion Building.

The demand which the soldiers reportedly saw as a slight almost sparked off an instant pandemonium in the area.

Commercial bus drivers and some pedestrians were forced to abandon the road for fear of being caught up in a cross fire between the police and the suspected military men.

" An attempt to make the see reason was instantly rebuffed by the soldiers who later descended heavily on the police officer" the source said.

It was also gathered that Ojiri who was dripping with blood was later rescued by a team of mobile policemen attached to operation Fire for Fire

" His uniform and barrette were turned to shred by the assailants" the source added.

The source also said that the incident later became a free for all fight between both groups following the assault on the senior police officer.

Some witnesses who were present at the time of the incident said several gun shots were fired by both factions in an attempt to gain upper hand over one another.

Three persons were alleged to have died on the spot as a result of the bullet wounds they sustained, while some passers by, including some police and military personnel were said to have sustained severe injuries.

Effort made to get in touch with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Young Arebamen and the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSO), Emmanuel Ighodalo to comment on the issue proved abortive as both of them were not on seat at the time of the visit , but, the Area Commander, Area ,A, Police command , Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr. Fabian Ojiri, while confirming the report from his hospital bed said that he had just been revived.