No fewer than 4 persons were killed during a cult clash in Otto and Ilopo areas of Apapa, Lagos, while several others were seriously injured on Tuesday, August 18, 2014.
According to reports, more than 12 vehicles were vandalized by the hoodlums while several houses were set on fire which forced some of the residents to leave their homes.
It was also learnt that a vulcaniser, an eight year-old boy who was with his parents while trying to run from the scene of the clash were hit by stray bullets.
Vanguard reports:
Vanguard gathered that Tuesday’s fight was a reprisal by hoodlums from Apapa road on Otto residents. The lingering battle was reportedly power tussle over control of parts of the area.
The attack took residents unaware as the hoodlums, numbering over one hundred and armed with dangerous weapons including guns, reportedly fired sporadically.
A resident, Mr Hyginus Ogbonna said: “They even stormed the palace of the Oloto of Otto, Oba Ganiyu Odesanyan, while he was having a meeting with some of his chiefs.
“Several vehicles parked in the premises were vandalised.
Everybody ran in different directions when they started shooting. I even missed members of my family in the process.
“They set some houses on fire. They said they were avenging the death of one of their own by hoodlums from Otto. We do not know when this war will end.“
It reportedly took the intervention of conventional and mobile policemen to quell the situation. As at yesterday, most of the buildings and shops were still under lock and key as the owners who fled were yet to return, apparently for fear of being caught in the hoodlums’ web.
Contacted, the Lagos State Command Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Lelma Kolle, said: “Nine persons have been arrested in connection with fight that led to the death of four persons.
“The situation has been brought under control and policemen are on surveillance around the areas to nib any likely reprisal attack in the bud.”
