Lagos community on edge following stabbing of Air Force officer during street fight

Story by Mercy Adaje

Residents of Oremeji in the Shasha area of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State, were shaken following a violent confrontation involving a Nigerian Air Force officer and local street boys. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, November 9, sparked fear and tension throughout the community.

According to eyewitnesses, the altercation began when a football accidentally struck the officer, who was reportedly out of uniform. Enraged, the officer seized the ball and struck the boy who kicked it. Despite pleas from bystanders to calm down, the officer allegedly punched the boy again.

As a crowd gathered, the officer reportedly drew a knife, stabbed the ball, and warned others against intervening. This escalated the situation, resulting in a scuffle during which one of the boys managed to stab the officer with the weapon.

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Residents initially did not realize the man was a military officer. The wounded officer was rushed to the hospital, and rumors quickly spread that he had died.

In the aftermath, Nigerian Air Force personnel from the nearby Shasha base reportedly entered the community in search of the suspects. Several residents claim the officers beat and arrested individuals indiscriminately, causing widespread fear and prompting many shops to close earlier than usual.

Some witnesses even reported that tear gas was used during these reprisals, intensifying the community’s anxiety.

However, the Lagos State Police Command dispelled the rumors of the officer’s death. Spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that the Air Force officer survived his injuries and received medical treatment.

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Addressing concerns of harassment by Air Force personnel, Adebisi stated that police and community leaders intervened to restore calm and that the area has been peaceful since.

Efforts to obtain a statement from the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

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