Yoruba, Hausa Youths in Bloody Clash in Lagos

Segun Atanda/

Residents of Kotomola, in the Ojota New Garage area of Lagos, were thrown into panic as Yoruba and Hausa youths engaged in a bloody clash on Friday.

Eyewitnesses claimed no fewer than three persons were killed during the clash but NewsmakersNG could not confirm this from the police.

It was learnt that the clash was fiercest at Gida Panli street, an area largely populated by Hausas.

The exact reason for the clash could not be established but some residents told NewsmakersNG it started as an argument between a Hausa and Yoruba youth on Thursday and quickly degenerated into a fight.

They said the Hausa youth eventually stabbed the Yoruba youth to death.

Sympathisers of the dead youth reportedly mobilised and attacked the Hausa community on Friday, leading into a free-for-all.

Different dangerous weapons were freely used during the fight, eyewitnesses further disclosed, adding that two more persons were killed.

The development reportedly paralysed commercial activities on the affected street and in the adjoining areas.

Mobile policemen are currently patrolling the area amid fears of further reprisal attacks by either group.

Police spokesman SP Chike Oti told NewsmakersNG on telephone that several suspects had been arrested over the mayhem.

Oti was however silent on whether there were casualties or not.

He said investigation was ongoing “to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident”.

0