Three persons have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between tricycle (Keke) riders and some touts in the Ikola area of Lagos State.
Spokesperson of the Lagos Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, said the deceased and injured persons were taken to the Military Hospital, Yaba, for necessary medical procedures.
Preliminary investigation by the police indicated that trouble started on Wednesday, August 27, when some suspected area boys allegedly stopped the tricycle rider and demanded the sum of N200.
The rider reportedly refused to pay, following which the tricycle was allegedly seized by the group.
The rider subsequently returned with some persons, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.
Three persons were reportedly killed in the violence, while two others sustained injuries.
Some buildings were also reportedly set ablaze during the ensuing fracas.
SP Adebisi Abimbola added that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, in company of Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Afolabi Owolabi, visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
Exploring Travel Maps
Adebisi added that operatives of the Command comprising personnel of the RRS, Taskforce, Tactical Squad, PMF, Eko Strike Force, and VCRU have been deployed to the area and are currently maintaining law and order.
The situation was later brought under control, and eased escalation.
She added that the command has commenced a detailed investigation into the incident, and would ensure that anyone found culpable faced the full weight of the law.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and avoid actions capable of further escalating the situation.