50 arrested, multiple injured as hoodlums clash in Lagos market

Suspected hoodlums ignited fires at shops and goods following a clash at Ile-Epo market in Lagos State's Abule Egba area. Reports suggest the dispute began over a betting game, escalating into an ethnic conflict and being seized upon by hoodlums.

The violence led to a section of the market being set ablaze, causing chaos as traders and customers sought safety. The Oko-Odo division's police intervened, arresting over fifty suspects and dismantling their shanties.

CP Adegoke Fayoade, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, directed swift prosecution of the arrested hoodlums, warning against further breaches of peace. Shops were looted and burnt, with ongoing fights and injuries reported, resulting in the market's closure.

The Rapid Response Team of the Lagos State Police Command arrested an unspecified number of suspects involved in the clash, which erupted over truck levy collection disagreements between rival groups. Security personnel, including the RRS, restored order, though initially hindered by the hoodlums.

Firefighters faced resistance from the hoodlums while trying to douse the flames, leading to a retreat. As of Thursday afternoon, security patrols were active after stabilizing the area.