Hoodlums Loot Property From Burning Building, Rip Off Lagos Firefighter's Ear

 

It was chaos and drama in the Ajegunle and Surulere areas of Lagos State as hoodlums invaded burning buildings in the area and carted away property of grieving victims. 

 

When fire fighters tried to intervene, more than five of the firefighters with the Lagos State Fire Service were injured while an unnamed senior official had his ear cut with a broken bottle, another had a bottle smashed on his head, while three others were reportedly manhandled.

 

A fire truck was said to have also been damaged in the scuffle.

 

According to reports, some hoodlums, who wanted to loot property in some buildings gutted by fire in the areas, resorted to attacking the firefighters to eliminate oppositions on their way.

 

The Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, said the officials ran for dear life to forestall a confrontation that could lead to total breakdown of law and order. He added that such was the lot of firefighters in the state while striving to save lives and property.

 

He said, “The state has observed with dismay the frequent attacks on its officials and obstruction of same from carrying out their official duties by hoodlums.

“Over five officers were seriously injured on Idewu Street, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle and Odunsi Street, Itire-Surulere. The officers were dedicated and hardworking, and their motive was to save lives and property.

“The gallant officers responded to distress calls and were about to carry out their statutory duties when the hoodlums, who wanted to avail themselves of the opportunity to loot and steal from fire victims, saw them as obstacle and started attacking, stabbing and chasing them from the scenes of the fire incidents.

“A senior officer’s ear was stabbed with a broken bottle. A bottle was smashed on another’s head, while others were manhandled. In order to prevent a confrontation and breakdown of law and order, the officials retreated and ran for their lives.”

 

He commended the Divisional Police Officer at Itire for intervening and rescuing the officers from further assault.