Tensions Rise in Shasha Community After Altercation Between Local Boys and Air Force Officer in Lagos

Chaos gripped Oremeji, a neighborhood in the Shasha area of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State, on Sunday, November 9, after a violent altercation between street football players and a Nigerian Air Force officer not in uniform. Residents described scenes of panic as confusion escalated into physical confrontation.

According to community sources, the incident began when a football kicked by local boys accidentally struck the officer. The man attempted to seize the ball and confront the boy, reportedly punching him despite pleas from bystanders to calm down. When the crowd gathered, the officer allegedly brandished a knife, stabbing the football and threatening anyone who approached. Several youths trying to restrain him sustained minor injuries in the process.

The situation quickly escalated when one of the boys managed to snatch the knife and stab the officer. Initial reports suggested the officer had died, but Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, later clarified that the officer survived and had received medical treatment. No fatalities were recorded.

Residents recalled the fear that followed the incident. Baba, a local resident, recounted the tense moments, emphasizing the officer’s aggressive actions and the subsequent panic among onlookers. Another resident, Sola, described how Air Force personnel from the Shasha base appeared in the area in the aftermath, allegedly assaulting some community members while searching for the youths involved.

Eniola, a female resident, said business owners now close their shops early, citing fear of potential reprisals. She explained that innocent people were targeted despite the actual perpetrators having fled the area. Esther Komolafe added that the following day, military personnel fired tear gas while attempting to locate those responsible, heightening tension throughout the community. Evening commutes have been particularly disrupted, with residents avoiding certain routes altogether.

The Lagos State Police worked to calm tensions, intervening alongside community leaders to prevent further escalation. Adebisi confirmed that a round-table discussion with the Air Force commandant helped restore peace, countering rumors of ongoing harassment by military personnel.

This event is reminiscent of past clashes between civilians and military officers in Lagos. In 2021, residents and commuters in Oshodi experienced unrest following the death of a Nigerian Air Force officer, highlighting a recurring pattern of civilian-military confrontations in the state.

Authorities continue to encourage calm and cooperation, urging community members to report incidents promptly to prevent misunderstandings from spiraling into violence. Meanwhile, the injured officer remains under treatment, and local residents are gradually resuming normal routines, though lingering fear has left a mark on the Shasha community.