Tension in Lagos town, Badagry, as youth protest alleged police shooting

Protesters carrying placards and fresh tree branches have gathered at the residence of the traditional ruler of Badagry town, Oba Akran, in protest over the alleged killing of a 23-year old apprentice plumber, Joshua Sehunji, by policemen on Thursday night.

Witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Sehunji was having dinner at the stall of a street food vendor after closing from work, when a police patrol van believed to be from the Badagry Police division stormed the area with the intention of raiding hoodlums.

PREMIUM TIMES learned that the policemen shot into the air and allegedly into a group of young men eating inside the stall.

A bullet was said to have hit Mr Sehunji, who was eating a bowl of noodles, in the abdomen and spilling his guts on the ground.

The policemen got into their van and drove off, witnesses alleged.

They claimed that neighbours and bystanders who initially fled the scene after the policemen started shooting returned and rushed him to nearby Harmony Hospital where he died shortly after arriving.

The protesting youth are threatening to attack policemen. Military vans are patrolling the area to maintain peace.

The spokesperson for the Lagos police command, Joseph Offor, said he was not aware of the incident.

He however promised to provide details of what happened as soon as he is briefed.