Policeman kills community leader during Makoko demolition
A
policeman, identified as Corporal Ekpo, allegedly shot and killed a
community leader, Timothy Hunpoyanwa, in the Makoko area of Lagos on
Saturday during a demolition exercise on Makoko Waterfront authorised by
the state government.
Government began the
demolition of shanties on the waterfront last Monday but promised to
demolish only structures which were within 100 metres from a power line
installed on the lagoon.
However, it was learnt that on Saturday morning, a joint taskforce extended the demolition further which angered residents.
A resident, who craved anonymity, said the taskforce officials set some of the shanties ablaze, causing pandemonium in the area.
The source added that it
was in a bid to settle dispute between the residents and the officials
that the police shot and killed the victim.
He said, “Around 1pm, a
joint taskforce team comprising policemen and officials of the state
ministry of environment and Kick Against Indiscipline set some of the
shanties ablaze.
“We wondered why they
should be doing such because we had talks with the state government who
promised us that only the shanties built within 100 metres from the
powerline would be demolished.
“So we prevented them
from working. The officials were bent on continuing and a scuttle
ensued. The Otun Baale, Timothy, then attempted to make peace when
marine policemen attached to Oworo Division came to the scene. Ekpo then
shot and his bullet killed Otun Baale on the spot.”
It was learnt that the police also arrested six other youths in the area as KAI officials continued to demolish the shanties.
The community, which has about 50,000 residents, according to the state government, is illegal and poses environmental threat.
Thousands of displaced
residents, who have since relocated under the Third Mainland Bridge and
now live in their boats, have said they will stage a protest at the
Secretariat, Alausa on Monday over the issue.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the
state police command, Ngozi Braide, said she had heard of the incident
but had not yet been briefed.
