In Lagos, a pregnant woman was knocked down by police during a raid.
A pregnant woman named Zainab Bakare is currently receiving medical care after officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Ajeromi Division, reportedly collided with the motorcycle she was on during a raid targeting commercial motorcyclists on Layinka Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State.
According to PUNCH Metro, the incident took place on Tuesday, February 18.
Residents reported that the officers had set up their patrol vehicle at a junction in the neighborhood, allegedly waiting to catch commercial motorcyclists using that route.
As Bakare’s motorcycle approached the junction, the police minibus is said to have struck it, resulting in both the rider and Bakare falling off.
A witness, Moshood Oshunfurewa, described how the police vehicle hit the motorcycle from a close distance.
“The incident occurred on Layinka Street, near KD Bread, close to Arumoh Street. We were under the LED streetlight at the junction when we saw the officers collide with the motorcycle from a short distance. The pregnant woman fell and began crying in pain. We rushed to assist her, while the officers allegedly took the motorcycle to the police station,” he stated.
In an interview with our correspondent, Bakare explained that she was on her way back from the hospital where her sister was in labor when the accident happened.
“I was coming from the hospital where my sister was in labor. When we reached the T-junction, the motorcycle rider slowed down. Suddenly, a minibus hit us, and we fell to the ground,” she recounted.
Bakare mentioned that she suffered injuries to her arm and leg and was extremely worried about her pregnancy’s safety.
“The police showed no concern when it happened. They were about to take the motorcycle away when residents confronted them due to my condition. That was when they returned,” she claimed.
A video shared with PUNCH Metro on Thursday showed Bakare in tears and writhing in pain from her injuries.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that it took over three hours to stabilize the pregnant woman, expressing concern over the behavior of some officers in the community.
He also pointed out that Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area is not included in the local governments affected by the Lagos State Transport Law that restricts commercial motorcycle operations in 10 local government areas and 15 local council development areas.
“While residents support the state’s restrictions, enforcement should not come at the expense of endangering lives,” he remarked.
Conflicts between police officers and commercial motorcyclists have been a persistent issue in Lagos.
PUNCH Metro reported in December 2024 that tensions rose in parts of the Isheri area of the state following a confrontation between police officers and motorcycle riders.
(Source: Punch Newspapers)
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