—CP Lagos, 9 Brigade Commander, Tactical Squad, RRS visit scene
Three persons were, yesterday, reportedly killed and several others injured, following a violent clash in the Ikola area of Ipaja, Lagos.
There were, however, conflicting accounts of how the trouble started.
One account said the incident began with a disagreement between a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider, and a passenger over a N200 fare balance.
The ensuing argument reportedly degenerated into a fight, during which the motorcyclist allegedly stabbed the passenger in the stomach.
The passenger was said to have died on the spot.
An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Imafidon, said: “The okada rider carried a young man from Church Bus Stop to Adeniran, close to the market. He was supposed to pay N500, but gave the rider N300.
It led to a disagreement.
“In the process, the okada man brought out a knife and stabbed the man.
He died immediately.
The passenger was wearing a purple and yellow buba and sokoto.
“After stabbing the passenger, the okada rider went to Wazobia Market to call his colleagues. They came and started terrorising people in Ikola. The people got angry and went to the market and started burning it.
“We heard that the rider’s colleagues killed three persons in Ikola. They also stole some motorbikes, while the deceased’s colleagues were said to have killed five persons from the rider’s side.”
Another eyewitness, who said he narrowly escaped death during the free-for-all, stated:
“One of the persons who was attacked by the riders’ colleagueas was still alive when we got there. But one of his legs was completely chopped off with a knife from the thigh, while the other leg was dangling from deep cuts. When we got there, he lifted his head and begged us to take him to the hospital, but there was nothing we could do.
“Another victim, who was wearing yellow and purple native attire, had his intestines protruding from his left side. He was still breathing when we got there, but later died.
“The third person was killed with a knife. There were cuts all over his skull, hands and legs. He tried to run, but they caught up with him. He held a stick to defend himself, but his attackers overpowered him because they were armed with knives.
“I narrowly escaped. I had barely alighted from a motorbike from the same bus stop when I saw the boys from the bola at Wazobia Market running towards my direction. I had to take off because anytime you see them in that number, something must be wrong. I ran past my house so that they would not attack me there.”
The violence caused panic among residents of shanties close to the market, with many hurriedly packing their belongings and leaving the area for safety, he added.
Some residents also alleged that the group from the market threatened to burn down houses in Ikola in retaliation.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command deployed operatives to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
However, according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the incident started when some miscreants allegedly attempted to collect N200 from a tricycle rider.
She explained: “Preliminary information indicates that trouble started when some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded the sum of N200. The rider reportedly refused to pay, following which the tricycle was allegedly seized by the group.
“The rider subsequently returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups. Sadly, three (3) persons were reportedly killed, while two others sustained injuries. Some buildings were also reportedly set ablaze during the ensuing violence. The deceased and injured persons have been taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, in company of Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
“Operatives of the Command comprising personnel of the RRS, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, PMF, Eko Strike Force, and VCRU have been deployed to the area and are currently maintaining law and order. The situation is firmly under control, and efforts are ongoing to prevent any further escalation. The Command has commenced an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of the law.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation. Residents are also encouraged to provide the Police with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation.”
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