The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 18 people after a protest over power outage at Tejuosho Market, Yaba, turned into a violent attack on citizens and an attempted raid on a bank.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Friday when some protesters, under the cover of demonstrating against lack of electricity supply, reportedly hijacked the protest and began causing destruction in the busy market. According to police reports, the crowd became unruly and moved towards a commercial bank in the area. Armed mobile policemen stationed at the bank prevented them from breaking in, before reinforcements from the command arrived.
Anti-riot and tactical units were later deployed to restore calm, disperse the mob, and protect lives and property. The suspects were immediately taken into custody while investigations have begun to identify others involved. The command assured that peace has returned to Tejuosho Market and urged residents to continue their normal activities without fear.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, warned against attacks on police officers and destruction of property, stressing that such actions will not be tolerated.
The arrest comes shortly after two suspected cultists were caught with a firearm in Akoka earlier this month, in a broader police crackdown on violent groups across Lagos. Recent cult-related clashes in the state have already claimed several lives, raising concern about rising insecurity in some communities.