CRIME & COURT

Eyewitness reveals chilling hoodlums’ attack in Lagos

An eyewitness has revealed chilling details of the Tuesday violence that seized Ketu community in Lagos.

At least, six persons reportedly sustained injuries in the fight between rival gangs over illegal levy collection from traders.

According to Yetunde Bawa-Allah, the violence began around 11pm. She told the PUNCH that some boys, identified as the ‘market boys’ had sought, but were denied audience by the traditional head of the community. Irked by the snub, they began threatening the traditional head. A rival group, as she said, defended the traditional head and ordered the boys to leave the area.

“Around 11pm, those guys came out of the market and started shooting. They went to the transformer that supplies electricity to the community and shot at it, which led to a temporary blackout. Before power was restored, they entered into the neighbourhood and continued shooting”, Bawa-Allah reportedly said.

“This morning (Wednesday), the Ikosi boys retaliated; they came out with bottles, cutlasses and sticks, while the market boys came out with guns. Many shops on Ikosi Road were burgled yesterday night.

“There is a man that owns a boutique in front of the local government secretariat; they stole his mannequins and clothes. The market boys also attacked some people sleeping outside; about six people were injured and one was bleeding seriously this morning. They also attacked commuters at the BRT bus stop and robbed people who went out early in the morning.”

Normalcy has returned to the area but residents fear their might be a resurgence.

The police said 15 persons have been arrested over the violence. Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, identified the suspects as belonging to Eiye; Aiye; and Buccaneer confraternities.

“Two locally-made pistols, some live cartridges and assorted charms were recovered from the suspects”, said Adejobi.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the crisis was connected to the revenue generation at the Ketu Fruit Market and efforts are in top gear to apprehend other fleeing members of the gangs that orchestrated the crisis in the area,” he added.

 

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