The Lagos State Police Command has reopened the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at the Otto–Ijanikin stretch following a violent clash between youths from the Ijanikin and Otto communities that blocked traffic and left one person dead.
In a statement on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi confirmed the expressway, previously closed for several hours, was fully cleared and reopened to motorists around 9:00am.
The statement noted that Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh personally led a joint team of police and tactical units to restore order and ensure free movement along the corridor.
A man identified as Akinyemi Omo Akin sustained gunshot injuries during the clash and later died at the hospital. The police clarified that preliminary findings ruled out their involvement, explaining that intelligence reports suggested cultists from both factions had exchanged gunfire before officers arrived.
Seven suspects linked to the violence have been arrested from the affected communities. Authorities said those in custody provided voluntary statements admitting their roles, and a locally fabricated pistol with two live cartridges was recovered from one suspect.
Tactical squads and anti-riot personnel have been deployed across surrounding areas to track down other suspects who fled.
The police warned that anyone found instigating or sponsoring violence would face the full weight of the law, and parents were urged to caution their wards against acts that endanger lives and property.
The update follows residents’ calls for increased security in Ijanikin, Agbara, and Oto Awori due to rising gang activity. In response, the police assured that sufficient personnel have been deployed to maintain calm and prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, to be led by the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti, while officers remain on the ground to sustain peace and reassure the public.