Pandemonium in Lekki as Hoodlums, Motorcycle Riders go on Rampage
Pandemonium erupted yesterday in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, when no fewer than 50 commercial motorcyclists and hoodlums totting dangerous weapons went on the rampage.
According to initial reports, the commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, were protesting the alleged death of one of their members, who was killed by the hoodlums.
Armed with cutlasses, axes, sticks, stones and even locally made pistols, the duo had stormed the Lekki-end of the Ikoyi/Lekki toll roundabout on Admiralty Way for a face-off.
Whilst the clash lasted, the warring factions had blocked the road, making it practically impassable for both motorists and pedestrians alike.
A eyewitness, however, said the riot was staged by commercial motorcyclists to protest the ban prohibiting them from driving within the Lekki Phase 1 axis.
According to another eyewitness, Toke Makinwa, an on-air presenter, the riders were protesting with machetes.
Tweeting from @tokstarr she wrote: “Gosh just witnessed the scariest thing ever... Gun shots, Okada riders with machetes, what is happening in Lekki?
“Cars are reversing, trying to get away, this lady jumps out of her car and starts running.
“This policeman brings out his gun ready to shoot while there is traffic and pandemonium, who trains these people?”
As at press time, peace had been restored to the area by policemen from that division and the riot quelled.
In another development, a trailer fell on a Toyota Xterra sports utility vehicle (SUV), a commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep and a bus in Lagos.
The trailer, which was conveying a container laden with goods, was said to have fallen on all three vehicles in Awolowo Market at the Mushin Olosa area in Lagos. No life was lost in the accident. Also, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) students yesterday blocked their school gate while protesting epileptic power supply to the university.
In their hundreds, the students trooped out to the school gate and even spilt over to adjourning roads, as they tried to register their grievances.
Before the issue was resolved, the protesters had caused a traffic snarl that stretched for miles, as motorists who tried to access the school and its environs could not pass.