Thugs, union officials clash in Lagos

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No fewer than three people were injured when a clash broke out on Jezza and Adaranijo streets in Egbeda, Lagos on Wednesday between motor park union officials and some thugs.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the cause of the clash was over the dues collected from motorists and motorcyclists in the area.

Our correspondent further gathered that one of the injured park officials, who was earlier rumoured to be dead, was now recuperating in a public hospital.

During a visit to the streets around 12.30pm, some of the shops on Adaranijo Street were still locked, while the traders in the few opened ones were seen in groups discussing the clash.

One of the traders, who identified herself simply as Mrs. Omolaja, told our correspondent that she fled to a nearby residence during the clash.

She said, “The clash actually started two days ago. We heard they were fighting over the money usually collected from commercial drivers at the park. With this money, they buy hard drinks, cannabis and disturb the peace of the area.

“On Tuesday, when they clashed, many traders could not come to their shops. They turned our places to their fighting base. I had to flee to a nearby residence for safety too. This morning (Wednesday) also, they were here again to cause trouble.”

A landlord in the area, Alhaji Ramon Olujobi, explained that residents of the area had long been terrorised by the thugs whom he described as potential rapists.

“Even before this recent violence broke out, they had always been using some shops as hideouts at evenings to perpetrate crimes. They lurk around the shops, drink and smoke till daybreak. Most young ladies cannot walk on our streets freely for fear of being molested,” he said.

Olujobi said the thugs broke several bottles and stabbed one another including an official of the park during the clash.

A fashion designer, who declined to give his name, said the streets had become synonymous with violence.

“Most of my customers now call me on phone as they fear coming to the street. Their violent tendencies are working against us as we do not have customers again,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that policemen from the Gowon Estate Division were deployed in the area. They were said to have arrested four suspects while, many others took to their heels.

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said could not be reached for comments as her phone rang out. A text message to the phone had yet to be replied to as of press time.