Many Injured As Group Engage Policemen In Gun Battle

                   There was tension yesterday at Ikosi area of Lagos, after some armed men suspected to be members of SURE-P, allegedly opened fire on a team of policemen.

                    The shootout, said to have lasted several minutes, sent residents and passers-by scampering for safety to avoid being hit by stray bullets; motorists were not left out , as they reportedly made U-turns.

Scores of persons sustained injuries in the resultant stampede. Details of the exact cause of the shootout were sketchy at press time.

However, information at Vanguard’s disposal had it that suspected members of the group held a man hostage over an unknown offence. Policemen, who were informed about the illegal detention, reportedly went to rescue the victim, only to be confronted by sporadic gun shots from members of the group.

A version of another account had it that suspected members of the group attacked some journalists from TVC who attempted to cover the fracas. They were said to have also attempted to invade premises of the television station, which is located within same vicinity, but were stopped by security men around. The stiff resistance reportedly led to another round of shootout.

At 6p.m., mobile and conventional policemen drafted to contain the situation were still sighted in the area.

When contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti stated that he was aware of the fracas in the area but could not give details of its cause.