Three persons have been killed and two others injured following a violent clash between a tricycle operator and suspected hoodlums in the Ikola area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The violence also led to the destruction of property, with several buildings reportedly set ablaze during the confrontation.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said preliminary information indicated that the trouble started when some suspected area boys allegedly stopped a tricycle rider and demanded ₦200 from him.
“The rider reportedly refused to pay, following which the tricycle was allegedly seized by the group. The rider subsequently returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups,” she said.
“Sadly, three (3) persons were reportedly killed, while two others sustained injuries. Some buildings were also reportedly set ablaze during the ensuing violence,” Adebisi added.
She said the deceased and injured persons had been taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical attention and other procedures.
Adebisi said the police had restored calm to the area, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, accompanied by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
She said operatives from various units of the Lagos State Police Command, including the Rapid Response Squad, Police Taskforce, Tactical Squad, Police Mobile Force, Eko Strike Force and Violence and Crime Response Unit, had been deployed to maintain law and order.
According to her, the situation was firmly under control, while security personnel had been stationed in the area to prevent further escalation and protect residents and property.
The Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the clash and assured that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could heighten tension in the community.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the violence and identifying those responsible for the deaths, injuries and destruction of property.