Many Feared Dead In Bloody Clash Between OPC & Hausas

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There has been tension in Ejigbo community in Lagos following a bloody clash between Hausa residents and the members of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that many people were feared dead, others sustained various degree of injuries and were taken to hospitals in the area. Some police officers attached to Ejigbo Division had their own share of injuries as many were said to be lying critically in the hospital due to injuries sustained during the clash.

Many properties were destroyed and residents were forced to close their shops, offices and ran for safety.
The clash lasted for several hours before the police mobilized FSARS operatives who moved into the area to put the situation under control but by then there were casualties already.

According to the residents, it was said to have started at about 8am after OPC members apprehended one of the Hausa men and detained him at their office over an undisclosed offence. The Hausas especially those operating motorcycles at Power line area of Ejigbo mobilized their people and went to the OPC office to effect the release of their brother forcefully and then fracas broke out.

They were said to have used native charms during the fight but at a point when they failed, blood started flowing and the helpless police officers who went there to maintain peace became victims.
When our correspondent visited the area, some offices were under lock and key while police patrol vehicles were seen patrolling the area.
At the Ejigbo Police Station, the officers were battle ready with their arms mounted in front of their station.
The DPO and the DCO were on patrol with vehicles trying forestall any further break down of law and order.

The Lagos PPRO, CSP Chike Oti, was contacted; he promised to find out the situation of things but never called back as he promised. Many shops remained closed over fear of reprisal attack due to the level of casualties suffered by the factions.