Crisis in Lagos, Oyo over Buhari’s victory

A policeman and two traders were yesterday feared dead in the crisis that erupted at Okokomaiko and Lagos Island areas of Lagos state, following the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of Saturday’s election.

Another policeman, a Sergeant said to have been attacked by the hoodlums at Alaba Rago, was still undergoing treatment at time of this report.

Several other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries in the ensuing stampede.

Information at Vanguard’s disposal revealed that some Hausa youths took to the street at Okokomaiko, along the Badagry-Mile two expressway, chanting sai baba in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

They marched from Okokoko to Cassidy, down to Alaba-Rago, pouring powder and water on themselves.

But the celebration took a violent dimension when they barricaded the road, preventing motorists’ access. Not done, they allegedly attacked commercial motorcyclists and traders at Alaba Rago.

Eye witnesses said another group of youths who kicked against President Buhari’s victory, rose up to the defence of those being attacked, leading to a free-for-all, during which several persons were injured.

A police team from Okokomaiko division which stormed the scene to quell the situation was attacked by the rampaging group. The group reportedly marched to the police station in an apparent attempt to invade it but the move was stopped by the Police.

The situation, which disrupted vehicular movements along the ever-busy expressway, also forced traders to lock up for the day.

A trader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “I was on my way to Agbara when I heard sporadic shootings at Alaba Rago, which forced driver of the bus I boarded to stop at the Lagos State University, in order not to be caught in the crossfire. A police officer was shot in the process but I don’t know if he died or survived.”

Another eyewitness, Anu, said Police reinforcement fired at the rampaging group, shooting two of them.

Igbo traders attacked

However, on the Lagos Island, social miscreants otherwise called area boys , attacked some Igbo traders over accusation that they did not vote for President Buhari in Saturday’s election.

The miscreants, who were armed with dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, broken bottles, woods and knives, struck at about 9.am at five streets: Oluwole, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tinubu, Bamgbose and Alli streets, taking the traders unawares.

They ordered that shops belonging to the Igbos should remain locked, threatening to kill anyone who violated their order.

When news of the attack filtered round other markets in the state dominated by the Igbos, most of them hurriedly locked up for fear of being entangle in any likely spread of the attack.

When Vanguard visited both areas, policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad with others from Area ‘E’ as well as the Military, were sighted on foot and vehicular patrol. But most of the shops still remained locked.

Igbo in Okota send SOS

In Ago, Okota area of Lagos State where the threat of attack on the Igbos began, non indigenes, particularly Igbos, have called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to beef up security in the area, with a view to protecting their lives and property following heightened fear of possible attack from hoodlums.

A resident, Mr. Silvester Okoro, who stated that Igbo residents in the area were still apprehensive despite police presence, urged security agents to conduct a 24-hour surveillance in the area.

He said, “ People are still apprehensive, especially as the governorship election is fast approaching. Some say they will not go out to vote for fear of reprisal attack. We therefore, call on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to come to our rescue now before the worst happens.”

Another resident, Mrs. Angela Johnson, who stressed the need for more presence of police to fortify the area, said: “ We are using this opportunity to call on the police and other security agencies to fortify the area. This is the only way people can be reassured to come out and exercise their civic rightright.