Police officer killed during clash with militants in Lagos

A police sergeant identified as Solomon Oswmuze was reportedly killed by suspected militants yesterday in Lagos State.

According to the Nation, the gunmen and the police were engaged in a fierce gun battle late yesterday afternoon at Monkey Village, behind Iba Housing Estate in the State.

It was also reported that one of the militants was killed by the police during the shootout.

The militants, who dressed in military camouflage and carried AK47 rifles were said to have ambushed the policemen.

The past few months have seen gunmen operating in the area, kidnapping landlords and other residents.

A police team comprising of SARS’ personnel from the Ojo and Iba divisions, had stormed the area around 11am and combed it for over an hour without getting any of the suspects.

A police officer at Iba police station, (name withheld) said shortly after the police team left the area and returned to the station, they received a message from a resident of the area that the suspected militants were out of their hiding and were disturbing again.

The officer said, “So, the team set out. But they never knew it was an ambush. As they got to the swampy area near the military barracks, the militants opened fire on them.

“The Sergeant was shot and his skull ripped open. The police engaged the militants and also killed one of their men. They fled into the swamp with his body.”

Recall that about two Months ago, the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni was abducted by the militants from his palace.

His family members were later contacted to pay the sum of N500 million as ransom for the monarch’s release.

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