By Update: Five suspects Arrested over Clash between scavengers and Area Boys In Oke Odo
Following the clash earlier reported by BlackBox Nigeria about a clash in Oke-Odo area of Lagos that disrupted all commercial activities, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested five persons while also giving a detailed analysis of what led to the fracas.
In a statement made available to Black no Nigeria, the DSP Bala Elkana, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State said, “on August 18, 2019 at about 10.00am, one alhaji Adekunle Habib ‘m’ of Ilepo market reported at Oke Ode Police Station that there was a misunderstanding between one Hausa scavenger and an Area Boy from Yoruba ethnic group. The area boy was carrying some goods on his head and was pushed by the Hausa boy in error and the goods fell down.
“Arguments ensued between the two parties which led to the exchange of blows. Friends of the two parties joined in solidarity fight and other miscreants took advantage of the moment to steal and loot. They blocked Lagos/Abeokuta expressway. What started as a fight between two miscreants almost snowballed into ethnic crises, if not for the timely intervention of the Police. Police teams from Oke Odo Division were the initial responders.”
He noted that given the report, the Command sent reinforcements from the Operations Department, Rapid Response Squads, Taskforce, Tactical Units and Police Mobile Force. Divisions within the Area Command equally send reinforcements. The situation was brought under control and traffic cleared.
He confirmed to our reporter that there was no fatal casualty in the cause of the five. “No dead recorded but four persons sustained various degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention. Five suspects namely, Kabiru Mohammed m’, Kabiru Adamu ‘m’, Bashiru Mohammed ‘m, Saliu Madu ‘m’ and Yusuf Amuda ‘m’ were arrested in connection with the breach of peace. Normalcy has been restored and patrols are ongoing in the affected areas. Suspects will be charged to Court.”
