TheCable

Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos commissioner of police, has ordered the arrest of 13 persons allegedly involved in the crisis that rocked Gengere community in Mile 12, Ketu area of the state.

On April 30, some persons were said to have attacked Alidu Mohammed, commander of the security committee in the community, and set ablaze his two cars, one of his houses, and other properties in the area.

One person was said to have died as a result of the incident.

According to the police, the crisis started over the allegation that Mohammed made blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad.

Reacting to the development in a statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, Lagos police spokesperson, Odumosu warned residents to desist from actions that can trigger a religious crisis.

“The commissioner of police, Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the Lagos state police command the arrest of thirteen (13) leaders of warring groups of Gengere Community, Mile 12, Ketu Area of Lagos State for their alleged involvement in the crisis that was orchestrated by some hoodlums in the Community on 30th April 2021 at about 3:30pm,” the statement reads.

“The order for the arrest of the leaders was given during interrogation and interview session with the leaders by the Commissioner of Police at the Conference Room, State Headquarters, Ikeja, today Tuesday 4th May 2021.

“Based on preliminary investigation, the Commander, Security Committee in Gengere Community, Alhaji Alidu Mohammed, was alleged to have disrespected and blasphemed Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and the hoodlums went on rampage, attacked him, set ablaze his two (2) cars, vandalised one of his houses and set ablaze a small building belonging to one Alhaji Mamuda, m.

“In response to the crisis, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed additional policemen to the area where forty-five (45) suspects were arrested. As a result of the crisis, one Papa Mohammed, m, who was stabbed on 30th April 2021, gave up the ghost while on admission on 1st May 2021.

“In the bid of the Command to restore normalcy and maintain law and order in the area, the Commissioner of Police, today, Tuesday 4th May 2021, ordered for the immediate arrest of the leaders of the warring groups who have been fuelling the crisis in the area as the warring parties still plan for continuous attacks on one another.”