- Odibo Victory
No fewer than five people have been confirmed dead, while many others were injured and properties destroyed following a tribal clash in the Ikola area of Ipaja, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, on Thursday.
The clash was captured in videos circulating online, showing lifeless bodies on the streets as the area was thrown into a state of unrest.
According to reports, the clash involved suspected cultists and Hausa residents, following a disagreement over payment for a bike ride, which reportedly escalated into intense violence.
The altercation allegedly led to the motorcycle rider stabbing and killing one of the cultists.
The incident subsequently escalated into the violence being witnessed in the area, resulting in several deaths, injuries and the destruction of properties.
The Lagos State Police Command has, however, confirmed that three persons were killed and two others injured during the clash.
This was disclosed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Thursday, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident.
Adebisi said preliminary information indicated that the violence started when suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded N200 from him.
She said the rider refused to pay, prompting the group to seize his tricycle.
According to her, the rider later returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.
“Three persons were killed, while two others sustained injuries during the clash,” she said.
Adebisi added that some buildings were also set ablaze during the ensuing violence.
She said the deceased and injured persons were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, visited the scene alongside the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
Following the incident, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Squad and Police Mobile Force were deployed to the area.
Other formations deployed included the Eko Strike Force and Violent Crime Response Unit, Adebisi said.
She said the security personnel were maintaining law and order, adding that the situation was firmly under control.
“The command has begun an investigation into the incident and will ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law,” she said.
Adebisi urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
She also encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.