Tension as eight persons are killed in Lagos

Juliana Francis

Lagos Cp. Edgal

Tension has enveloped Lagos Island community following a renewed clash between Onola and Okepopo boys at weekend, which allegedly left at least eight youths killed.

According to eye witnesses, many people also injured in the attack, described as bloody. Traders lost their wares in the clash, as some hoodlums were said to have seized the opportunity to loot break and enter several shops, carting away wares.

An eye witness said: “The Okepopo boys invaded Onola area on Friday night after police granted bail to their point man known as 'Falapa.’ It was during the attack that the Okepopo boys shot and inflicted machete cuts on a young lad, sleeping inside a tricycle. The tricycle was parked at the front of Iga Faji. The lad was stabbed to death, while many people sustained injuries.”

Angry at the sudden attack and eventual death of the sleeping boy, Onola youths embarked on a reprisal, killing four youths belonging to Okepopo.

The Okepopo boys, returned for another attack on Sunday night and met an already prepared and re-enforced Onola youths. The clash was bloody, leading to the death of another youth and injury of several. The dead youth was said to belong to Okepopo.

Some traders whose shops were burgled allegedly joined force with Onola youths to confront the Okepopo boys.

Efforts by the police teams from Area 'A' Command, Adeniji Adele, Jankara and Lion Building stations to end the constant mayhem proved abortive as the youths brandished weapons.

An eye witness said: "When police teams patrolled the areas and return to bases, the Okepopo boys launched another attack and then disappeared.”

The attack and counter attack reduced by Tuesday night, following some military personnel teaming up with the police to patrol the areas. Some arrests were said to have been made.

Some of the affected areas are Itafaji, Isale-gangan, Princess, Anikantamo, Evans, Massey, Okepopo, Koilo, Atiko and other adjacent streets.

The military team were seen assemble at Oshodi/Tokunboh junction on the Lagos Island but usually go round with Police in mufti with the aim of making more arrests.