May 2, (THEWILL) – Properties and goods worth millions of naira have been destroyed as hoodlums in the Abule-Egba area of Lagos State went on a rampage, setting shops at the popular Ile-Epo market on fire.
THEWILL gathered that the clash ensued over the quest for superiority by rival gangs in the area. The fight, which started on Wednesday night, was said to have continued till Thursday morning.
They also prevented a fire service truck which arrived at the market this morning from dousing the fire as they attacked it with stones.
Spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command said efforts by police operatives to quell the unrest were met with resistance.
“Our team was dispatched promptly but the intensity of the mob and their hostility hampered our intervention efforts. The market remains closed until further notice as cleanup and investigations continue,” the State Police image maker said, adding that investigations are ongoing to unravel the cause of the clash.
Meanwhile, authorities were currently assessing the extent of the damage and have promised to increase security in the area to prevent further escalation.
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