Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaTraders’ Clash Sparks Fire, Looting in Lagos Market

The incident reportedly began with a disagreement between a trader and a lotto vendor over winnings on Wednesday night.

According to reports, the altercation escalated into a full-blown clash, with some alleging it took on ethnic undertones. Hoodlums reportedly took advantage of the chaos, setting fire to stalls and shops.

The situation remained tense on Thursday morning, with reports of goods being looted and further clashes before police arrived.

Efforts by firefighters to intervene were initially hampered as they were pelted with stones by the crowd.

The extent of the damage and the number of casualties have not been made public, but the police said they have arrested 50 persons suspected to be involved in the fracas.

“Following reports of clashes among some youths and hoodlums in the Ile-Epo area of Lagos State, the DPO Oke-Odo swiftly led his men to the scene, and have since restored normalcy,” said the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.

“Over fifty suspects have so far been arrested while the shanties they occupied have been destroyed, effectively dislodging them.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has directed the prompt prosecution of the arrested hoodlums and has equally warned that the Command would decisively deal with anyone found breaching the peace, in accordance with the law.”