Soldiers’ assault on KAI fficial sparks outrage in Lagos

The Lagos State Government has strongly denounced the shocking attack on KAI officers by Nigerian Army personnel in Yaba, labeling it an “unprovoked” and “unacceptable assault

Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, issued a statement Tuesday, detailing the unwarranted attack on LAGESC officers while they performed their statutory duties.

However, the swift intervention of Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, and Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, the Director of Chaplain Services, the tense situation between KAI officials and Nigerian Army personnel was brought under control. Their prompt action prevented further escalation and ensured peace was restored

Wahab wrote, “Earlier today, officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), lawfully engaged in their duties in Yaba, were subjected to an unprovoked attack by personnel of the Nigerian Army under the directive of Major Adebiyi and Captain Gowon.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T. Lagbaja, and the Director of Chaplain Services, Lt. Col. T.E. Ogbonyomi, for their swift and decisive intervention in support of civil authorities.

“Their leadership has ensured that KAI officers continue to carry out their responsibilities without further disruption, reinforcing the principle that military personnel are subject to the authority of civil governance within their jurisdictions.

Wahab, however, maintained that such attacks on law enforcement officers would not be tolerated.

“We strongly condemn this unwarranted and unacceptable assault on officers executing their lawful duties. Moving forward, such acts will not be tolerated.

“We remain committed to ensuring a #CleanerLagos by upholding safety and sanitation standards across the state,” he added.

In a similar situation in September, a suspect was arrested for allegedly assaulting a civilian staff member of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in an attempt to resist arrest.

The suspect was defecating around the median on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the officials stationed close to the Berger bridge swooped in on him