One Killed, 40 Vehicles Vandalised As Traders, Urchins Clash

One person was feared dead while several others were injured yesterday after some traders at the Ladipo Automobile Market clashed with suspected street urchins, otherwise known as ‘Alaye.’ At least, 40 vehicles of different makes and models were either vandalised or burnt in the fracas which witnesses claimed broke out around 1pm.

The traders and hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons were shooting indiscriminately. The root of the clash was not known at press time. But one person, yet to be identified, was shot dead and several others injured. Immediately the fight broke out, passers-by and residents scampered into safety. Commercial activities were grounded while traders locked up their shops. Although teams of policemen were deployed in the area, they were not able to halt the clash, until they started shoot sporadically into the air. The headquarters of the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) at Alausa was alerted to provide back up to the operatives attached to the area and the Dalemo division.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was also deployed in one of the streets. The Chairman of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee (LASEC), Kinsley Ogunor, said a misunderstanding between the ‘Alayes’ and some of the traders caused the fracas.

Ogunor said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was billed to commission Oduduwa Primary School, located in the area yesterday. The chairman said that while the preparations for Ambode’s coming were on, the traders received opposition from the area boys. The misunderstanding soon snowballed. He said: “Immediately, I invited the police whose timely intervention prevented further breakdown of law and order.

The situation is under control now. But I will investigate the real cause of this fight. Meanwhile, some people sustained injuries and I don’t know if anybody was killed.”