A Lagos State government taskforce has been accused of killing Olasunkanmi Bello, a driver with Buildwell Construction Company, and injuring two of his colleagues during an attempted vehicle seizure.
The injured workers, identified as Joshua Elemah Sunday and Franklin Alonge, both drivers with the company, sustained injuries during the confrontation, which occurred on Tuesday around 8:00 am near the Costain Roundabout, opposite the National Theatre.
According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, the taskforce’s operatives arrived in a small white bus accompanied by individuals armed with sticks, believed to be hired thugs.
The situation escalated as they attempted to impound one of the company’s vehicles, prompting protests from the construction workers.
It was gathered that as the workers attempted to flee the scene, the operatives reportedly drove into Bello, fatally striking him, while also knocking down Sunday and Alonge.
“It was about 8:00 am, members of the Lagos State Taskforce came around and were trying to impound a vehicle which belongs to Buildwell Construction Company,” the source said.
“Some workers protested against them so as not to take away the vehicle. Some thugs were on their team. In a bid to escape from the growing crowd, they killed Bello and knocked down others.
“Sunday and Alonge were knocked down but did not die. After knocking them down, they ran over Bello with their vehicle. He died shortly after that. Aside from these people, others got bruises on their bodies.
“The construction company is willing to take it up legally to seek justice. It is high time the Lagos government looked at the activities of the taskforce. We don’t know their jurisdiction or how they are mandated to operate.
“The matter has come to a head and the state needs to act urgently. Rather than combat crimes, this taskforce operates brutally and many times kills innocent people and instigate violence.”
In a video obtained by DAILY POST, some people were shouting ‘ole, ole’ while rushing to the spot where Bello laid struggling to breath.
Gunshots could also be heard in the video
The director of press and public affairs for the taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said he would investigate the incident.
