Three dogs kill security guard in Lagos, owner arrested

Abdullateef Fowewe

The operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested the owner of three dogs after his dogs allegedly mishandled a security guard to death at Pinnock Estate in the Lekki area of Lagos. 

The tragic incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, has generated widespread reactions on social media, raising serious questions about safety and animal control in residential estates.

A video shared by a netizen, identified as Olamide, captured the scene, showing the lifeless body of the security guard surrounded by the three dogs, who reportedly escaped due to improper detention. 

Olamide captioned the video, “Pinnock Estate last night: A resident didn’t properly lock in his dogs, dogs escaped and mauled an Estate Security man to death.”

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the dog owner’s arrest. 

Hundeyin assured the public that the police were taking the matter seriously and underscored that the dog owner was now in police custody.

Hundeyin wrote, “Following the unfortunate mauling of a security man to death by three dogs in Pinnock Estate, Ilasan, Lekki on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested the owner of the dogs, Salisu Mustapha and confiscated the dogs pending the outcome of discreet investigations that have since commenced. 

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, psc+, mnips assures residents of the estate and the entire people of Lagos State that the ongoing investigations will be brought to a conclusive end and justice will be served as appropriate.”

Reacting to the PPRO’s statement, a netizen wrote, “This incident is going to be a kind of Acid Test for the Nigeria Police Force because the incident involved a human being and animals. 

“However, being animals does not mean that you shouldn’t respect their rights. Those alleged dogs must be treated with respect and dignity, please.”

In response, Hundeyin posted the video involving the dogs stating that the dogs are receiving reasonable treatment.  

The video caption reads, “They are getting the best treatment. We do not condone cruelty to animals. 

“These were the dogs after they arrived at the Command headquarters before our K-9 unit came to take them into better custody.”