By Chris Otaigbe
Tragedy struck the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police on Sunday when a trigger-happy cop opened fire on his colleagues at Onikan area of Lagos Island, killing some in the process.
In what could be termed as early morning madness, the police officer (name withheld) who was on duty with the victims later drove their service vehicle to Akoka, Yaba, on Lagos Mainland for another shooting spree.
KaftanPost gathered that he arrived Akoka around 5am and attempted to shoot his way into a compound but failed.
Frustrated by the secure metallic door leading into the building, the policeman, said to be attached to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), allegedly opened sporadic fire on the property to gain access.
Frightened, residents said they took cover, not knowing what was happening, since it was so early in the morning, around 5am.
No fewer than 30 bullet holes were counted in an apartment, corridor and ceiling of the premises.
The scared residents made distress calls to the Bariga Police Division and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who deployed operatives to the scene and disarmed the killer-cop.
Screaming like one under the influence of drugs, the cop was heard alleging that some persons wanted to corrupt him, insisting he should be allowed to go home in the name of Jesus.
Speaking with reporters, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Bala Elkana, said the command was investigating the matter, adding that a statement would be released later.
The shooter was alleged to have lost his mind following a disagreement with other members of his team, around 5am.
I think police authorities are not doing anything with regards to the mental health wellness of their men who are supposed to secure lives and property. The trigger happy police men are in the increase. It is high time to do mental health check ups on our police officers to ensure they don’t become a snare and threat to armless Nigerians.