The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the suspected arson attack on Wednesday morning at the Akere Motor Spare Parts Market, Tolu, Oshodi Apapa in Lagos.
According to a statement issued by the state’s police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, despite the fact that the fire was extinguished around 3 a.m., a 65-year-old security guard was killed in the incident.
Meanwhile, traders at the market have lamented the loss of several millions of naira. Reports have it that some group of gunmen came around 2:30 am and set the market ablaze, killing a man identified as the security guard.
Similarly, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in a statement earlier on Wednesday said the deceased male adult had a “gunshot injury”, fuelling suspicion that the fire was a deliberate attack on the market.
However, Hundeyin said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Idowu Owohunwa urged Lagosians to remain calm as the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to take over the investigation towards unraveling the true circumstances surrounding the attack.
He equally called for restraints in giving any form of extraneous coloration to the incident, while assuring that the outcome of the investigation will be made public.