Fuel scarcity: Policeman guns down Lagosian during argument at filling station

A yet to be identified police officer has gunned down a Lagos resident who prevented him from jumping queue to buy fuel at a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling station at Obalende in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

The officer alongside one of his colleagues had gone to the filling station to purchase fuel after having an agreement with the station manager, on Wednesday.

However, the people who had spent hours in the queue insisted that the fuel attendants would not sell fuel to those who just got there.

Despite efforts to convince them, the residents stood their ground, leading to an argument.

The deceased identified as Toheeb Eniafe was said to have joined those who prevented the officers from purchasing fuel.

However, the situation degenerated to violence and the officer reportedly shot Eniafe before fleeing the station.

An angry mob was said to have chased and caught up with one of the officers but he later escaped after firing shots in the air.

However, on Thursday, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the person who shot Eniafe is a policeman.

In a tweet, Hundeyin said the officer is attached to Special Protection Unit, Lion Building, Lagos Island.

“The person behind the shooting has been identified as a police officer serving at Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 17, Lion Building, Lagos.”

“Investigation is still ongoing and further findings will be made available. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command is working with the family of the deceased to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice.”

Police brutality led to EndSARS protest in 2020, but four years down the line, there have been cases of extrajudicial killings.

Nigerians are currently experiencing fuel scarcity despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government that the situation is under control and normalcy would be restored soon.