At least two persons have been killed, while many vehicles were destroyed following a clash among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tricycle operators and traders in the Ladipo spare parts market in the Oshodi axis of Lagos.
It was gathered that stray bullets hit the deceased, who were alleged to be traders. Following the incident, many traders in the area closed shops over fear of reprisal attack.
Soldiers and policemen were also at the scene to restore law and order in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fight began when a motorcycle rider was asked to pay a ticket-fee by a member of the NURTW.
The motorcyclist’s refusal resulted in two thugs raining punches on him and his passenger, who was identified as one of the market leaders.
According to an eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Christopher, the situation intensified when the NURTW boys started harassing the market leader for intervening on the bike man’s behalf. This made some traders at the market to come to the rescue of their leader.
“The passenger told the thugs to allow the bike rider drop him first before forcing him to get the ticket but this infuriated the thugs. An argument ensued, which led to exchange of punches with the passenger.
“The passenger who was outnumbered and overpowered ran into the market and called his fellow traders. This fueled the fight between the union and the traders. But with the intervention of the police and OP MESA officers, sanity was restored.”
It was also gathered that the thugs mobilized some hoodlums from Oshodi and Mushin who came with guns and bottles, seized bikes and destroyed vehicles parked around the bus stop.
When contacted, spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the fight was between okada (motorcycle) and tricycle operators.
He said: “Around 11:00a.m. we were notified of the clash between these operators which made us swing into action to restore peace in the area. I was told there were no casualties, but I would not know if anyone was macheted by hoodlums.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the Commander at Area D Command, Mushin, Aliko Dankoli, to do proper investigation of the clash.”
