The Lagos State Fire Service Director, Rasak Fadipe, Thursday, lamented the frequent attacks on its men in line of duty, warning those involved to desist or face the wrath of the law.
The Director, describing the officers as dedicated and hardworking, added that their motive was to save lives and property. He said they were attacked at Idewu Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle and Odunsi Street in Surulere area of the state.
The Nation reports that no fewer than five firemen have been attacked in various parts of the state recently.
Recounting some of the attacks, Fadipe, explained that a senior officer was recently stabbed in the ear with a broken bottle; another was wounded in the head while others were manhandled.
According to him, the gallant officers responded to distress calls and were about to carry out their statutory duties when the hoodlums who wanted to loot saw them as obstacle and started attacking, stabbing and chasing them from the fire scene.
“In order to prevent confrontation and breakdown of law and order, the officials retreated and ran for their lives. The mayhem was reported at Tolu and Itire Police stations. It led to the damage of a fire truck,” the fire boss said.
He hailed the Itire Divisional Police Officer, DPO, for intervening and rescuing the officers from further assault.
The Director assured all and sundry of the readiness of the officers to respond whenever they are called upon.
He, however, appealed to the public to desist from damaging government facilities as tax payers money were expended on providing the facilities.
Fadipe noted that the consequences of unwarranted but coordinated attacks on fire trucks were an indirect denial of dividend of democracy to others as the damaged truck can no longer serve the need of Lagosians.
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