A driver lost his life during a clash between tanker drivers and a group of hoodlums in the Mile 2 area of Lagos.
While police said they investigating the incident, multiple sources suggest that at least four individuals may have lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries during the altercation that occurred on Tuesday.
The clash is believed to have been triggered by the numerous extortion points along the access roads to the Tin-Can Island Port, where hoodlums often demand money from passing vehicles.
Trouble began when some of these hoodlums demanded N2,000 from a tanker driver before allowing him to proceed.
The driver was allegedly assaulted and beaten by the hoodlums, who are said to be affiliated with various transport unions.
In retaliation, other drivers blocked the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, causing traffic disruptions for other motorists.
During the ensuing confrontation, one driver reportedly lost his life.
A witness at the Apple junction area of Mile 2 reported that in response to their colleague’s death, the drivers took action against one of the hoodlums.
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“To avenge the killing of their member, the drivers hacked down one of the hoodlums,” a youth who identified himself simply as Habib said.
According to some residents in the Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, two tanker driver assistants, commonly known as motor boys, also lost their lives in the incident.
On X (formerly Twitter), some users claimed that one driver was killed by task force officials.
Responding to the claim, the police spokesperson in the state, SP Benjamin Hundenyin, said “the claim cannot be confirmed yet. Information is still sketchy.”
Giving an update on X, Hundeyin said the state Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, had visited the scene of the incident at Mile 2 “to assess the situation”, adding that normalcy had been restored.
“Meanwhile, investigation into the killing of a driver has commenced,” he said.
“However, I can confirm that police patrol teams have arrived the scene, obstacles are being cleared and free flow of traffic picking up again.
The police spokesman also confirmed to our correspondent that one person was killed and another injured.
“Normalcy had returned and investigation is ongoing. The command will avail the public of the outcome of investigation,” he said.