Police arrest two in murder of woman set ablaze in Lagos

Forum 4 days ago

Police arrest two in murder of woman set ablaze in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two prime suspects linked to the gruesome murder of a young woman whose charred remains were discovered in the Gangare area of Mile 12 last Saturday.

The incident initially stirred ethnic tensions, with early reports speculating that the killing may have been driven by tribal animosity.

However, police investigations have dispelled those claims, confirming that the victim hailed from Nasarawa State and had been residing with relatives near the canal behind Mile 12.

Authorities disclosed that the suspects, whose names remain undisclosed as of the time of filing this report, confessed to being contracted by the deceased’s former boyfriend. The motive behind the breakup and subsequent murder remains under investigation.

Efforts are currently underway to track down the estranged lover, who is said to be on the run.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said: “Facts from the preliminary investigation clearly revealed that she was from Nasarawa State and not a Yoruba woman, as was initially speculated.

“The protracted dispute between her and her now-at-large boyfriend, who was determined to force her back into a relationship after their breakup, led to him conspiring with others, two of whom are now in custody, to ambush her, attack her, kill her in cold blood, and set her body ablaze.

“The killing of the young woman was a clearly premeditated act of conspiracy and cold-blooded murder, which must be condemned by all. There was no element of blasphemy by the victim prior to her gruesome killing.

“The Lagos State Police Command has acted swiftly by promptly arresting two principal suspects involved in the heinous act. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the boyfriend and other accomplices still at large.

The two suspects directly linked to the incident are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, where they are assisting detectives in efforts to arrest the remaining perpetrators.

“There is no tension or threat of reprisal attacks between any ethnic groups in Ketu, Mile 12, or any other part of Lagos State. Lagosians are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities without fear.

“While the investigation continues, and its findings will be made public, we urge residents to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely updates as the investigation progresses.”