Residents of Oremeji in the Shasha area of Alimosho, Lagos State, were thrown into panic after street boys stabbed a Nigerian Air Force officer during a confrontation.
According to community members, the incident occurred on November 9 during a football game. Witnesses said the officer, who was not in uniform, reacted angrily when a ball hit him. He reportedly seized the ball and assaulted the boy who kicked it, prompting others around to intervene.
A resident, identified as Baba, said the situation escalated when the officer brought out a knife, punctured the football and threatened to stab anyone who tried to touch him. In the scuffle that followed, some boys trying to restrain him sustained minor injuries. One of them eventually disarmed him and stabbed him in the process. He was rushed to a hospital, and rumours later spread that he had died.
Another resident, Sola, said Air Force personnel later stormed the community in search of those involved. He claimed that some residents were beaten during the operation, causing widespread fear across the neighbourhood.
Residents also reported that the tension extended to nearby areas, with many business owners closing early. Some alleged that Air Force officers returned the following days, firing tear gas and picking up people at random.
However, the Lagos State Police Command denied claims that the officer had died. The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the officer survived the stabbing and had received treatment. He added that rumours of harassment by Air Force personnel were exaggerated and that the police intervened promptly when tensions rose.
Adebisi said the Divisional Police Officer met with community leaders and Air Force authorities, resolving the situation and restoring order in the area.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not answered.
The incident adds to past clashes between civilians and military personnel, including a 2021 confrontation in Oshodi after an Air Force officer was reportedly killed by hoodlums.
