One Dead, 70 Vehicles Destroyed As Hoodlums Clash In Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command have arrested 50 persons in connection with a recent clash between hoodlums in Itire, Idi-Araba and Lawanson areas of the state, where a life was lost and over 80 vehicles destroyed.
It was gathered that members of two cults groups, Eiye and Vikings, have been locked in a supremacy battle in the area, leading to looting of shops, maiming and destruction of vehicles.
The battle, it was also gathered, took a serious dimension penultimate Monday, when some Eyie Confraternity members attacked members of Vikings Confraternity in two major streets in Itire area, where they reportedly robbed several residents and destroyed several vehicles. Four persons were arrested by the police after the clash, but members of the Vikings, in retaliation, mobilised members from Idi-Araba, Surulere and Mushin areas to attack Lawanson, which they see as the stronghold of the Eyie members.
The Baale of Lawanson, Chief Fatai Oseni, blamed the attack on criminals residing in the area, who he said have been enjoying protection from most residents.
But the Community Development Association Chairman, Oladele Abudu, said that slow police response to distress calls contributed to the huge destruction recorded during the clash.
He said: “We called the police through several channels, when the attack started, and they didn’t show up. These hoodlums were shooting and people scampered for safety.
“They destroyed over 80 vehicles and the police came when some of the boys had gone. They did not arrest the ones they met.”
However, Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, while reacting to the incident, stated that police responded swiftly and arrested over 50 persons.
According to him, “it was the swift response of the police that led to the arrest of over 50 suspects for various offences, including arson and illegal sale of hard drugs. “Investigation is ongoing and suspects will be charged to court.”
