The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved a resolution urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to convene a security council meeting within the state. The call by the assembly comes in response to an increase in incidents where people in uniform are allegedly killing locals.
During a plenary session, the assembly passed this resolution as part of a “Matter of Urgent Public Importance” motion put forth by Mr. Kehinde Joseph (APC-Alimosho II). It was highlighted that Senator Olamilekan Adeola’s aide, Mr. Adeniyi Sanni, was reportedly killed by unidentified military personnel in July, and his body was later discovered at Ladipo Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway.
The assembly also addressed a recent altercation between army personnel and officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Speaker Mr. Mudashiru Obasa expressed concern over the consistent pattern of alleged killings by individuals in uniform. He emphasised that safeguarding lives and property was a fundamental responsibility of the government, and when multiple killings occur within the state, it raises significant concerns.
Obasa stated, “I fully support the motion’s initiator in urging the Governor to promptly convene a meeting with all heads of security agencies in Lagos State to address this issue. At least three people have been reported dead, allegedly killed by individuals in either police or army uniforms, and we cannot ascertain whether they are indeed security personnel or not.”
Earlier, Joseph, the initiator of the motion, drew attention to the recent string of killings, stressing that these incidents demanded urgent attention. He recalled the case of Mr. Adeniyi Sanni, who was murdered in August, and noted two additional incidents on August 17 and 19.
“The commonality among these killings is striking. Adeniyi Sanni’s wife informed me that her husband was stopped at a checkpoint by individuals in military attire. They asked for his documents, which he sent to them via WhatsApp. His body was later discovered in a different location. A similar situation occurred with Mr. Lawal, who was stopped and asked for identification documents. Subsequently, his body was found in the Iyana-Ipaja area,” Joseph recounted.
Joseph proposed that the police should heighten security measures within the state, while the military should collaborate in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for these crimes committed while wearing army uniforms.
During the discussion, Mr. Bonu Saanu (APC-Badagry 1) pointed out the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between genuine security personnel and impostors.
Following the deliberations, the speaker instructed the House’s clerk, Mr. Lekan Onafeko, to communicate the House’s resolution on the matter to the governor.
