One killed, scores injured as cultists clash in Lagos

A youth identified only as Sunkanmi was on Wednesday killed while scores sustained injuries after some youths suspected to be members of rival cults clashed in the Somolu area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that over six streets were affected by the violence which lasted over an hour.

Our correspondent also learnt that vehicles parked on the roadside were vandalised by the hoodlums.

A spare parts dealer, Alhaja Modinat, said the hoodlums also seized the opportunity to rob shop owners.

She said, “Around 11am, some hoodlums on motorcycles stormed Popoola Street and started fighting other youths. They came into my shop, seized my mobile phone as well as all my money. They vandalised all the vehicles parked on the street

“They attacked one commercial motorcyclist and seized his okada. The man was severely beaten before moving to other streets.”

Our correspondent learnt that the hoodlums also visited Oreofero, Adifase, Balogun, Anifowose and Fadipe streets.

Our correspondent learnt that it took combined efforts by the Alade and Pedro Police divisions to restore normalcy to the area.

A resident, who identified himself only as Daniel, said the violence was as a result of a misunderstanding between the two cults a few weeks ago.

Narrating the incident which culminated in Wednesday’s clash, he said, “Some weeks ago, a politician in the area organised a football competition on Odunlami Street and the youths from Bariga who are mostly Aye boys came for the match and were attacked by the Eiye boys in Somolu

“One Tijanni, who is a member of Aye cult, was attacked and sustained injuries and the following day, his boys retaliated. Three days later, a boy named Elede was critically wounded by the Eiye boys on Rufai Street. In fact four cult members have been rushed to different hospitals in the area since the fighting started.”

Meanwhile, some landlords in the area have raised the alarm over the spate of violence and robbery in the area.

A landlord, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said the area was no longer safe.

He urged the police authorities to station an armoured tank in the area.

He said, “Violence has become common in Somolu and these hoodlums are known by all but they seem to be above the law.

“On Tuesday, about 9pm, these hoodlums, some of whom wore masks, numbering about 80 from their base in Ajose, Somolu, fully armed, stormed Popoola and Oluwalogbon streets. They ransacked shops in the area and also vandalised vehicles.

“If the police can establish their presence here like they did in Mushin, I believe peace will be restored.”

When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, Damascus Ozoanni, said he had not got all the details and promised to call back.

However, as of the time of going to press, Ozoanni did not call back.