2 killed, many injured as hoodlums unleash terror on Lagos community

Two persons were feared killed and many others injured as hoodlums suspected to be cultists unleashed violence on residents and commuters at Otto-Awori and Ijanikin communities in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. Six persons have since been arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack while policemen from the state anti-crime outfit, the […]

Two persons were feared killed and many others injured as hoodlums suspected to be cultists unleashed violence on residents and commuters at Otto-Awori and Ijanikin communities in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Six persons have since been arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack while policemen from the state anti-crime outfit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), have since been deployed in the area by the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi.

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Traders at the popular Vespa Market in Ijanikin hurriedly closed shops as some of the hoodlums broke into shops to steal.

The criminals also snatched phones and other valuables from travellers on the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway after blocking the road.

An eyewitness revealed that violence broke out following disagreements between two monarchs in the area. It was learnt that one of the monarchs was planning his 15th anniversary, which irked supporters of his rival.

It was learnt that trouble began when an Awori native was reportedly assaulted by a masquerade participating in one of the rites.

The hoodlums wielding Dane guns, machetes, charms and other dangerous objects were said to have ordered vehicles to turn back.

Motorists who attempted to resist them were beaten up and their vehicles vandalised, said a driver who witnessed the incident. 

When contacted, Lagos State police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police were monitoring the situation in Ijanikin and that the road had since been reopened.