Palpable tension now hovers around Jakande area of Isolo, in Lagos State, following an attempt by a mob to set a commercial motorcyclist, also known as Okada rider, on fire.
The mob descended on the rider after he knocked down a man who was waiting to board a tricycle.
- We need 8 weeks to process customers’ forex request — Stanbic
- Drama as police narrate how dad slept with 2 daughters
The situation went out of hand when the news of the death of the bystander spread in the area.
A witness, Godswill Umoh, said passersby descended on the rider and gave him the beating of his life.
“They set his bike on fire and tried to also set him on fire. He was rescued by the timely arrival of the police,” the witness said.
Another witness alleged that the rider was actually running away from security operatives who were on enforcement duty in the area.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the attack, said the rider was whisked away by policemen and was under protective custody.
Hundeyin, on his Twitter handle @BenHundeyin, said what happened was that the rider veered off the road and hit a pedestrian.
He said the pedestrian fell and died on the spot and that those who witnessed the incident decided to lynch the rider.
“The Lagos State Police Command condemns jungle justice in very strong terms. Anyone found engaging in such would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Meanwhile, officers are on the ground and normalcy has returned to the area,” he said.