As the United States of America is presently engulfed in violent protests arising occasioned by police brutality, which led to the killing of George Floyd, an African-American, an Inspector of Police in Nigeria who was identified as Monday Gabriel with No 21 Police Mobile Force Squadron Abuja, on Sunday was alleged to have gone wild and shot his colleagues, killing one and injuring others.
He was said to have been on special duty in a federal government facility in Ikoyi, Lagos when he lost it and started shooting sporadically. According to eyewitness, Gabriel, was said to have gone berserk following a disagreement with other members of his team and opened fire on them. He also was reported to have hijacked their operational vehicle with which he sped off, leaving his colleagues in a pool of their blood and drove straight to Akoka in Yaba where he attempted to access a compound but couldn’t.
Sources said the building had a metallic door and the policeman said to be attached to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) again opened fire on the property to gain access. Residents said they were frightened at the sporadic sound of gunshots and took cover not knowing what was happening.
However, distress calls were said to have been made to the Bariga Police Division and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who deployed operatives to the scene and restrained the shooter. But fewer than 30 bullet holes were counted in the apartment, corridor and ceiling of the premises. Although he tried to escape, the hijacked vehicle ran into the gutter, making his planned escape difficult before he was eventually arrested by the police.
Police Spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, said only one policeman, Sergeant Felix Okago, died from the gunshots. Elkana said: “In an attempt to escape, he took a patrol van and headed towards third mainland bridge, shooting as he was escaping. He was intercepted by policemen from Bariga Division along Akoka, disarmed and handcuffed. The rifle and vehicle were recovered. The corpse of the deceased Sergeant has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy while the inspector was taken to police hospital for medical examination as he presented signs of mental depression.”
