TheCable

The Lagos state government has confirmed the killings of security personnel by militants in the Ikorodu area of the state, vowing to go after “criminal elements and their perpetrators”.

TheCable had earlier reported the incident.

According to Steve Ayorinde, commissioner for information and strategy, the suspects laid an ambush for the soldier and four policemen killed.

Ayorinde revealed that four policemen and a soldier were killed, disclosing that they met their untimely end after successfully rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the riverine area.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Ayorinde said it would strengthen the resolve of government to root crime and criminalities out of the state.

“The governor, however, assures the police and general public of his support and commitment to rid the state of every form of militancy, kidnappings, and illegal waterfront shanties that harbour criminals,” Ayorinde said in a statement.

“The unfortunate incident in Ishawo has reinforced our resolve to go after criminal elements and their collaborators who are using coastal areas and illegal waterfront settlements as havens or escape routes to perpetrate evil and criminal activities.”

The government said every perpetrator directly or remotely linked to the Ishawo dastardly act would be brought to justice in the shortest possible time.

The statement also appealed to residents of the state to cooperate with government to rid the state of “illegal shanties”.

“We wish to solicit the understanding and support of the public on the need to rid our waterways of illegal shanties that are not only an eyesore to our collective decency but have become a fertile ground for breeding illicit and illegal activities that constitute danger to the security and well-being of the larger public,” the government said.