MICHAEL AKINOLA
A popular hotel in Lagos has been set ablaze during a clash between two rival cult groups over supremacy. P.M.EXPRESS reports that members of the rival groups, Eiye and Aiye, went to the popular hotel, Chukwuma Hotel, located at Babalosha Street, Itire, Lagos and fight broke out, which led to the eventual death of one of the members of rival group and in retaliation, the hotel was put on fire.
However, the fire was quickly put out through the prompt intervention of the Police and 8 members of the warring groups were arrested.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana. He said that on 21st September, 2019, at about 2250 hours, the Police received a distress call of a fire outbreak at Chukuma Hotel located on Babashola Street, Itire area of Lagos, hence the combined team of Policemen and Firefighters was mobilized to the scene and the fire was eventually put off.
DSP Elkana explained that the preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was set up by some members of cult groups, Eiye and Aiye Confraternity, who clashed at a drinking joint in the hotel. He said that trouble started at about 2200 hours when a hot argument ensued between members of two rival gangs in the joint. The son of the owner of the hotel, who is now at large, was said to have stabbed a member of a rival gang, identified as Aliu Lamidi, 29, of Aboredhade Street, on the neck. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died. The corpse was later deposited at an undisclosed mortuary for autopsy report.
DSP Elkana reported that three vehicles, which were parked by the road side, were also burnt and the Police have been able to arrest eight suspects in connection with the incident. He added that security has been beefed up in the affected area and the Police have since commenced investigation into the matter. He said that the suspects will be charged to Court after the conclusion of investigations.