A tragic incident unfolded in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State, on Tuesday, when a police patrol vehicle, in pursuit of a suspect, fatally struck a six-year-old girl.
The victim’s father, Nnamdi Ugorji, recounted the heartbreaking event, stating that officers from the Moshalashi Police Station were chasing a suspect when they ran over his daughter at the Ecobank roundabout in Iyana-Ipaja.
“The police were chasing someone, and in the process, they hit my daughter with their vehicle,” Ugorji said, struggling to hold back tears.
According to him, his daughter and her siblings had gone to withdraw money from an ATM when the tragic accident occurred.
Ugorji accused the police of trying to cover up the incident, claiming they falsely reported that the patrol vehicle had somersaulted.
“It is obvious to anyone who sees the car that they are lying. The vehicle is at the police station, but they want to cover up their crime to exonerate themselves,” he said.
He questioned why officers, who are tasked with protecting lives, would resort to deception instead of taking responsibility.
"They know what they did to my child. They also have children they protect—would they pray for such a thing to happen to them? Why are they lying? Don’t they fear God?" he lamented.
Ugorji revealed that his daughter’s remains would be transported to Abia State for burial, but he lacks the financial means to do so.
"Now I don’t know what to do. As a poor man, where will I get the money to take her to the village for burial? Those meant to protect us are the ones killing us."
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Women Affairs, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
"I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid. I want justice for my daughter."
When contacted, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that he was unaware of the incident but promised to investigate.
"I am not aware of this case. I will make my findings, and if there are any developments, I will get back to you," he said.
