Residents of Meiran, Lagos, were thrown into panic on Wednesday as hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes in parts of the community.
Multiple eyewitnesses said no life was lost in the incident, which occurred around 1pm at Kabowei Bus Stop, Meiran. However, the violence caused widespread fear, forcing motorists and residents to flee the area.
Several drivers were said to have abandoned their vehicles along the road as they ran for safety, while residents and commuters scrambled for cover as groups of young men, some armed with axes, ran through the area.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Segun, said he was compelled to abandon his car and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation was brought under control.
“The problem started right in front of an amala joint at Meiran Bus Stop. When I saw about five men carrying axes and chasing another group, I had to get out of my car and hide in a nearby house,” he said.
“I couldn’t risk driving through the chaos. Other motorists also parked by the roadside and waited for things to calm down. I later returned to pick up my car when everywhere became peaceful.”
Another resident, Moses, explained that the violence allegedly began after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the vendor.
“After collecting the ice cream, the seller asked for his money, but they refused to pay and started threatening him,” Moses said.
“He then called some of his friends to confront the boys. Before long, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the fight escalated.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent on Wednesday were not returned.
While it is unclear if the incident was cult-related, similar cases of youths engaging in violent clashes with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.
Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly disrupted a masquerade festival in Orile Iganmu, where at least three people were shot dead.
