Yoruba Nation Rally: Sanwo-Olu Reacts To 14-year-old Drink Seller’s Death

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reacted to the death of a 14-year-old girl during the Yoruba Nation rally held on Saturday.

Naija News earlier reported that security operative dispersing Yoruba Nation agitators at Ojota reportedly killed the yoghurt seller, identified simply as Jumoke.

She was reportedly displaying drinks at a shop when a stray bullet hit her and severed her stomach. Her body has been covered with a piece of cloth as a crowd gathered at the spot.

However, the Lagos State Police Command has denied responsibility for the death of the young lady.

In a statement on Sunday by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, governor Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of the hawker.

Onigbanjo said a Coroner’s Inquest has immediately been requested in line with sections 14 and 15 of the Coroners’ Systems Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015, to determine the cause and circumstances of death.

On behalf of the governor, Onigbanjo commiserated with the family of the girl, assuring the public that everything will be done to ensure that the cause of death is known

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Ojota during the Oodua Republic Mega Rally on Saturday, 3rd of July, 2021.

“We commiserate with the family of the deceased. The governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered a thorough investigation of the death. A Coroner’s Inquest has immediately been requested in line with sections 14 and 15 of the Coroners’ Systems Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015, to determine the cause and circumstances of death.

“By Section 14(1) (d) of the Coroners’ System Law of the State: ‘A report of death shall be made to any of the agencies for the report of death or the office of the Coroner and be subject to post-mortem examination where there is reasonable cause to believe that the cause of death was: violent, unnatural or suspicious.’

“Section 15(1) and (9) further enjoins the Coroner to hold an inquest whenever he or she is informed that the death of the deceased person was in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation or believes an inquest is desirable following the report of a reportable death.

“As a government, the security and well-being of citizens are of utmost importance to us. The state assures the public that everything will be done to ensure that the cause of death is known. The findings of this investigation will be made public in due course and appropriate sanctions meted out to anyone found culpable.”