In a tragic turn of events, a young man died after jumping into a canal in the Mosan Okunola area of Ipaja, Lagos, on Wednesday morning. The incident has raised concerns about the public’s trust in law enforcement and the fear that often dictates the actions of civilians.
According to the Lagos State Police Command, the man was a passenger on a motorcycle riding against traffic when the sight of a nearby police vehicle triggered his flight.
The police, however, denied chasing the individual, explaining that the young man panicked and took extreme measures, resulting in his death.
Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, shared details of the incident via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, refuting claims that the police were involved in any active pursuit of the man.
He stated that after the man jumped off the motorcycle and emptied his pockets while running towards a canal, onlookers at a nearby garage warned him of the danger ahead. Ignoring the warnings, he jumped into the canal.
The police officers, surprised by the man’s actions, stopped their vehicle and went to investigate, only to be informed by witnesses that he had already jumped into the canal. Despite waiting for several minutes and searching the area, they found no sign of him and presumed he had successfully escaped. Tragically, the man’s body was later recovered, confirming his death.
This incident highlights a deeper issue: the fear and mistrust some members of the public have toward the police. In an environment where encounters with law enforcement often lead to anxiety, individuals can react impulsively, sometimes with fatal consequences.
SP Hundeyin reiterated that the officers involved had no interaction with the man prior to his flight, and emphasized that the Lagos State Police Command, under CP Olanrewaju Ishola, remains committed to professional conduct.
“We sympathize with the family of the deceased and pray that God gives them the strength to bear this loss,” Hundeyin said.
This case has reignited public debate about the relationship between law enforcement and civilians in Nigeria, with many calling for police reforms aimed at building trust and reducing fear-driven incidents.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the psychological toll of living in a society where the presence of law enforcement can spark such extreme reactions.