Three people were reportedly killed and two others injured after a violent confrontation between rival groups triggered panic in Ikola, Ipaja area of Lagos State, yesterday.
The Lagos State Police Command said the incident began after suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded N200 from him.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the rider refused to pay, prompting the group to seize his tricycle. The rider later returned with other persons, leading to a violent confrontation.
“Sadly, three (3) persons were reportedly killed, while two others sustained injuries,” Adebisi said, adding that some buildings were also set ablaze during the violence.
She said the deceased and injured victims were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, while police operatives were deployed to prevent further escalation.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, accompanied by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Afolabi Owolabi, visited the area to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
The Command deployed personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, Eko Strike Force and the Vehicle and Crime Response Unit to the area.
However, eyewitnesses gave a different account of what triggered the confrontation, linking the violence to a dispute between a commercial motorcyclist and a passenger over a N200 balance on a N500 fare.
One eyewitness, Imafidon, alleged that the rider stabbed the passenger during the argument and subsequently went to Wazobia Market to summon other commercial motorcyclists. He claimed their arrival triggered a wider confrontation in the area.
Another eyewitness described scenes of severe violence, alleging that several people were attacked with knives during the ensuing clashes.
The violence reportedly caused widespread panic around the market, with some residents of nearby shanties hurriedly gathering their belongings and leaving the area. There were also allegations that threats were made to burn houses in retaliation.
The police, however, cautioned residents against relying on unverified accounts as investigations continue.
Adebisi said the Command had commenced an investigation and would ensure that anyone found responsible for the violence faced the law.
She urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist investigators.
“The situation is firmly under control, and efforts are ongoing to prevent any further escalation,” she said.
