Tragedy struck on Saturday during a festival in Ibeju-Lekki area of
Lagos State, where a police inspector and two others were killed.
It
was gathered that the clash started when some youths from Ilagbo
community and Oriyanrin town fought at Kilajolu festival at Ilagbo.
According
to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, the clash
strayed at a masquerade festival between two youths from different
communities.
Some youths from Oriyanrin town were alleged to
have caused trouble at the festival and the elders of Ilagbo community
sent them away.
Out of annoyance, the Oriyanrin youths who were
sent away laid ambush for some Ilagbo youths who were returning from the
festival and hacked one Ismaela to death.
The late Ismaela’s
brother identified as Matanle, who went to evacuate the remains of his
brother was also hacked to death by the Oriyanrin youths this led to
Ilagbo youths’ retaliation.
They attacked Oriyanrin community and
burned down houses, vehicles and other property worth millions of
naira. An elderly woman who suffered stroke and was unable to take to
her heels also lost her life.
A resident, Mr Moriu Made
described the incident as unfortunate, disclosing that he could not run
when the youths from Ilagbo invaded the community because of his
deteriorating health.
“They burnt my house and my younger
brother’s house. Some other residents’ houses were also burnt. I don’t
know where to start from.
“I am the only person left in the
community as you can see and I have not eaten for three days. Government
should please provide adequate security for us.”
Another resident, 102-year-old man was also left in the deserted community.
The
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni however warned the
residents on communal clashes during a visit to the community.
“We
will make sure there is no reprisal attacks in the community but you
the traditional heads need to dialogue and find lasting solution to
these attacks and meet with your people regularly to brainstorm on how
to move the community forward or you voice out if you are not capable.
“The
elders in this community should be ashamed of themselves. The police
helped you to settle clashes but you killed an inspector that was trying
to broker peace.
“If you are not careful, we will accuse you of
using policemen and your community members for rituals and this will
discourage investors from your community and your children will suffer
too.
“Nothing stops you from organizing vigilante with the
police. Instead, your children go behind the back to kill policemen.
Policemen also have families.
“You know the solution but if you don’t want peace to reign, we will handle it with force.
“You need to give us assurance that you are ready to defend your community because the security starts with you.
“You will never see police carry guns in civilized countries except in a community where hoodlums are rampant.
“You should establish cordial relationship with investors to enjoy corporate social responsibility not kill.
“Every
religious leader has a role to play. If you don’t put a stop to this
craze now, it will spread. You should continue to utilize the same
wisdom you have always used in keeping the community calm.
“We
keep doing our best in chasing militants away from your community but
you are starting an internal fight instead of joining hands with us to
combat them.” he said.
Owoseni stated further that a boy was
killed by youths from Oriyanrin community and his brother who went to
rescue him was also hacked to death.
“When the brother was
attacked, it was at that point that a distress call got to the police
and our men were deployed to the community to restore normalcy.
”
We have had discussion with the community leaders to help us with
information on how to arrest the culprits who caused the carnage so that
fleeing residents can return.
“Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with the carnage.” the CP added.