PHOTOS: Lagos hoodlums clash with traders, set market ablaze
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There was serious tension in and around the Ile Ipo market in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos as violence erupted between Yoruba and Hausa hoodlums following a clash that started on Wednesday night.
NewsBand understand that the violence began after a Yoruba man won a betting stake in a Baba Ijebu shop managed by an Hausa man but instead of paying the winner the whole amount, the Hausa betting agent decided to withhold some of the money which led to a fight on Wednesday night.
During the face-off, the Hausa hoodlums, reportedly descended heavily on the Yoruba man, beat him to stupor and chased others out of the market.
On Thursday morning, the Yoruba thugs reportedly mobilized and invaded the market where a free for all fight ensued with both sides parading dangerous weapons.
Fire was set to a section of the market amid the fight, leaving traders and customers scampering for safety. Thereafter, shops were looted and burnt as tempers flared.
Some persons were said to have sustained injuries during the clash.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Lagos State said over 50 suspects have been arrested in connection to the unfortunate clash.
The state police spokesman, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Thursday said normalcy had been restored to the market.
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He explained that the Commissioner of Police had also directed the prompt prosecution of the arrested hoodlums and warned that the Command would decisively deal with anyone found breaching the peace, in accordance with the law.
“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.
“Over fifty suspects have so far been arrested while the shanties they occupied have been destroyed, effectively dislodging them.
“The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, 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.
“Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Area Commander Alagbado and other Divisional Police Officers under the Area Command are currently on ground to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” the statement reads in part.
