A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cheiftain in Lagos, Borishade Adeniyi, was on Saturday shot dead during a meeting of party members.
Chike Oti, Lagos command police spokesman, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the shooting occurred at Igbosuku village, Eti-Osa LGA, where the meeting held.
According to Oti, a fracas broke out between the factions loyal to Moshood Salvador, a factional state chairman of the party, and Kehinde Fasasi, Eti-Osa LGA chairman.
Adeniyi was reportedly shot on the leg in the process, while two other persons sustained injuries.
Oti said he was taken to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, where he gave up the ghost.
“What supposed to be a peaceful political meeting of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) members, in Lagos state, regrettably ended in unnecessary bloodletting,” the statement read.
“The incident took place on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at about 1800hrs, during Lagos state PDP visitation meeting at Igbosuku village, Eti-Osa LGA, attended by Lagos state and local government PDP chairmen.
“However, towards the end of the meeting, fracas broke out between contending factions of the party; one faction for the state chairman, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador and the other for the Eti-Osa LG chapter chairman, Engr Kehinde Fasasi.
“In the melee, one Hon. Borishade Adeniyi, the Apapa LG PDP chapter chairman, recognised also as the Doyen of PDP LG chapter chairmen in Lagos state, was allegedly shot and injured on the leg.
“He was rushed to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, where he was treated but eventually died. Corpse of the deceased is deposited in the hospital mortuary. Two other persons allegedly injured during the clash, are also receiving treatment in a hospital in Ajah.”
Meanwhile, Imohimi Edgal, the state police commissioner, has ordered the arrest of those indicted in the incident.
Edgal expressed concern over the alleged frequent use of firearms by PDP members in the state. He called on all political parties in Lagos to disarm their members with unauthorised arms.
The statement continued: “Pursuant to the directive, five (5) of the principal suspects were arrested; viz: Engr Kehinde Fasasi, chapter chairman, Eti-Osa LG, Hon. Rotimi Kujore, PDP chapter chairman, Lagos Island LG, Alhaji Fatai Adele, PDP chapter chairman, Mushin LG, Ismail Abiola, PDP chapter chairman, Amuwo Odofin LG and Dr. Amos Alabi Fawole, PDP chapter chairman, Surulere LG.
“The five suspects have been transferred to SCIID, Panti, for further investigation.”