Riot in Lagos, 4 killed, security operatives

A riot reportedly broke out in the Mile 12 area of Lagos state – Security operatives are said to have brought the situation under control – About four people are feared dead, while many others are injured – A school within the area has reportedly been razed Emerging reports suggest that the riot in Mile 12 has been brought under control by security operatives Earlier on, hoodlums had reportedly caused panic by vandalising vehicles. An unconfirmed source disclosed that a school in the area had been razed. The source further informed that some hoodlums have been killed, while policemen were injured in the row.

Channels TV reports that residents of the area have remained indoors for fear of being attacked. There are speculation that an ethnic clash might be the cause of the fracas which began in Agility area of Mile 12. Eyewitnesses say four people have died while many others were injured. As of the time of filing this report, no one has been able to give reasons for the crisis. The fight is said to have started about 2 nights ago, following an accident involving a motorcycle. A motorcyclist reportedly ran into a one-way route within the area and he was almost lynched for knocking down a pedestrian. In a bid to get motorcyclist to take the injured pedestrian to the hospital, the situation degenerated.

Sources disclose that the rider was an Hausa man and the injured was allegedly Yoruba, hence, the friction began. Traders in the popular Mile 12 market were attacked with their goods destroyed.

Meanwhile, Dedeigbo Ayodeji, a Naij.com correspondent disclosed that the chaos in Mile 12 affected transportation and movement in Ketu and Ikorodu, as people were running towards other suburbs of Mile 12. A brief protest was held at the BRT main terminal in Ikorodu, as passengers claimed that the bus attendants kept selling tickets even though they knew there was no headway through the Mile 12. Many people are stranded reports Ayodeji whose bus had to make a quick turn when it approached Mile 12. Ayodeji further reports that business activities were grounded within the Agboyi-Ketu local government area, even as people were seeking to go as far away as they could from the unrest. Efforts to reach the manager of the BRT terminal in Ikorodu have proved abortive however, some other junior staff who are unauthorized to speak on the issue, tried to pacify the protesting passengers, saying that their requests will be met shortly.

Ayodeji, however, noted on phone that there was no clue as to when people were likely to leave the terminal, as the bus drivers had been ordered to remain stationed, till there is confirmation that the storm in Mile 12 has been quelled. The Lagos state government has closed down the markets within the area temporarily, and has vowed to deal with miscreants and law breakers. The government is also appealing to parents to ensure that their wards are law abiding.