The Lagos State Police Command has reopened the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto–Ijanikin axis following a violent clash between youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities that left one person dead. Traffic resumed around 9:00 a.m. after officers cleared barricades and restored order.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the expressway, which had been blocked for several hours, was fully reopened to motorists.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, led a combined team of conventional and tactical units to the affected area to ensure the free flow of traffic and prevent further unrest.
Police said a resident identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and later died at a hospital. Authorities clarified that preliminary investigations indicate the shooting occurred before officers arrived, adding that rival cult groups allegedly invited by both factions exchanged gunfire at the scene.
Seven suspects from the two communities have been taken into custody. According to the Command, those arrested have provided statements detailing their roles in the disturbance.
A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from one of the suspects, while tactical squads have been deployed across surrounding communities and bush paths to apprehend other fleeing individuals.
The police warned that anyone found sponsoring or inciting violence would face prosecution. Parents and guardians were urged to caution their children against activities capable of endangering lives and property.
Residents of Ijanikin, Agbara and Oto Awori had earlier raised concerns over increasing gang activity in the area. In response, the Command assured the public that adequate personnel remain on ground to maintain peace.
The Commissioner has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident as security patrols continue across the corridor.
