Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday as hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes in parts of the community.
Information gathered from multiple eyewitnesses indicates that no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred around Kabowei Bus Stop in Meiran at about 1 pm.
The incident, however, caused widespread fear among motorists, many of whom abandoned their vehicles along the road to seek safety.
As the violence escalated, residents and commuters reportedly ran for cover while groups of young men, some armed with axes, moved through the area. A resident, who identified himself simply as Segun, said that he was forced to abandon his vehicle and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation subsided.
“The issue started right in front of an Amala spot at Meiran Bus Stop. I had to get out of my car and seek shelter when I saw about five men wielding axes and chasing another group of young men,” he said.
“I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to drive through the chaos. Other drivers also parked their vehicles by the roadside to allow the violence to die down. I returned to pick up my car a few minutes later when everywhere became calm,” Segun added.
Another resident, Moses, explained that the incident was allegedly triggered after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the seller.
“After they collected the ice cream, the seller demanded his money, but instead of paying, they refused and began threatening him,” Moses said.
“He then contacted some of his friends, who came to confront the boys. Suddenly, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the chaos started.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent on Wednesday were not returned.
Although it remains unclear whether the clash was cult-related, similar incidents involving youths chasing one another with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.
Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly infiltrated a masquerade festival in the Orile Iganmu area of the state, where at least three people were shot dead.
