There was palpable tension in and around Ojota on Monday, after the demonstrators confronted security agents.
A young man was lifeless in a photo posted on Twitter. Another is feared dead while others are injured.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin issued a statement on the bloody fracas.
“Miscreants masquerading as Yoruba Nation Agitators” came out in their hundreds, disrupting social and commercial activities at Ojota”, the PRO noted.
He said in response, officers from Alausa Division and the Raid Respond Squad (RRS) stepped in to disperse the unlawful gathering and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The miscreants attacked the police, shooting, and destroying two vehicles in the process.
“One person has been confirmed dead, while two police officers shot by the miscreants are currently receiving treatment. Four suspects have been arrested and investigations have commenced.”
Hundeyin vowed that the Lagos State Police Command would not allow any person or group of persons to disrupt the peace in Lagos.
It is unclear if the deceased was hit by a stray bullet or targeted by security agents.
“They shot teargas and guns at us. They have killed one person, this is Ojota”, a protester screamed in a video.
One Toyota Hilux, reportedly driven by the police, was set on fire. There were also bonfires on the road.
Meanwhile, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has dismissed claims that members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) were involved in the fracas that erupted at Ojota in Lagos.
The security agency narrated how the protesters opened fire against its officers, leaving two seriously wounded.
Adams noted that the Ojota rally and how it ended “came as a surprise and caught everybody unaware”.
“There were reports linking members of the OPC to the mayhem. I want to state it clearly that none of our members were at the scene.”
He said though it is an inalienable right of the Yoruba people to champion self-determination, OPC didn’t take part in today’s demonstration.
The Aare said the information was wicked, mischievous, and could trigger disaffection between the organisation and people of the ethnic group.
“Information at my disposal from visual contents indicated a peaceful rally that later went awry.
“How can people be so mean to spread such sensitive information that OPC attacked the Yoruba Nation agitators?
“OPC is not against the liberation of the Yoruba race. Our position on regionalism is very clear. It is sacrosanct because that is what we are seeking at the moment.
“Nigeria should be restructured to full regional autonomy, where each region will be at liberty to operate at their own pace”, the statement added.