CITIZENS COMPASS— A minor disagreement in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, on Thursday, snowballed into a communal clash killing four people on the spot.
The incident occurred during the day at Power Line Bus Stop, Ikola.
The disagreement which led to a hot argument reportedly occurred between a resident suspected to be a non-native and another suspected to be the former leader of a cultist group.
It was gathered that during the hot argument, the non-native stabbed the suspected cultist leader and this degenerated into a clash as people ran helter skelter.
The argument was said to have occurred at the scene of a fire outbreak as confirmed by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyinyolu, in a statement.
According to Osanyintolu: The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, wishes to inform the general public of a fire incident that occurred today at Power Line Bus Stop, Ikola, in Alimosho Local Government Area.
At 1:52pm, LASEMA received a distress call regarding a fire outbreak in the area. The Agency’s response team was immediately activated and arrived at the scene within 25 minutes.
Upon arrival, it was observed that several makeshift structures had been razed by fire.
Preliminary assessment and engagement with residents at the scene indicate that the incident followed a disagreement that escalated into communal unrest.
Regrettably, four adult males lost their lives and several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
LASEMA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
Emergency medical support was provided on site by the Agbado Oke-Odo Ambulance Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other health responders.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service swiftly brought the fire under control and conducted damping down to prevent further spread. To ensure public safety and restore order, a joint security operation was activated.
Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other relevant stakeholders were deployed to the area.
The Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA was also on ground to support coordination with community leaders.
As at the time of this release, normalcy has been restored in Ikola and surrounding communities. Security agencies remain on ground to maintain peace, safeguard lives and property, and prevent any further breach of public order.
Residents are hereby urged to remain calm, shun any form of reprisal, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of heightening tension.
The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Mr. Governor, condemns all acts of violence and reiterates its Zero tolerance for actions that threaten the peace and unity of the state.
In line with global best practices, a full investigation has commenced to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident, and anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.
Dr.Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu Permanent Secretary LASEMA appreciates the prompt and professional response of all emergency and security agencies, as well as the cooperation of community leaders and residents during the operation. The Agency remains committed to protecting lives and property and to promoting inter-community harmony across Lagos State.
Members of the public are advised to continue to rely on official channels of the Lagos State Government for accurate and timely information.
