...3 feared killed by pipeline vandals

Three policemen attached to the Owutu Police Station in Ikorodu, Lagos were feared killed yesterday during an argument with suspected pipeline vandals.

A sergeant, corporal and an inspector were reportedly killed at about 6.00am by the suspected vandals in Olainukan village in Isawo area of Ikorodu, while another policeman suffered severe gunshot wounds during the incident.

According to a police source at Owutu, the policemen were on patrol at Olainukan village where they tried to stop the vandals’ vehicle.

The source said that a search of the vehicle revealed several jerry cans filled with petrol and hidden under the seats of the vehicle.

The policemen alleged that the petrol was siphoned from a ruptured pipe belonging to the NNPC.

A witness said soon after the discovery of the jerry cans by the police and an exchange of words between the cops and the occupants of the vehicle, the vandals opened fire on the patrol van, killing the three policemen on the spot, while another was severely injured. The vandals immediately escaped with the vehicle.

The injured policeman identified as Yerima is said to be receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the University of Lagos Teaching hospital (LUTH) Idi- Araba.

Anti-riot policemen were later deployed to the scene.

At the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, a source said the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, ordered a manhunt for the arrest of the fleeing vandals. The source added that some persons have been arrested.

Lagos State police image maker, Pat Amadin, however neither denied nor confirmed the report.