Motorcyclists, NURTW clash in Lagos not ethnic violence, says Police

The Lagos State Police Command has debunked reports that the violent clash earlier today in Iyana- Iba area of Lagos which left two people dead and several injured was not an ethnic crisis.

Recall that at least two people were reportedly killed with dozen others sustaining varying degrees of injuries after commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers clashed in Iyana-Iba area of Lagos over alleged extortion.

It was learnt that trouble started when one of the motorcycle operators (Hausa Okada riders) was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death when the group was protesting constant harassment by road union members.

Residents and passersby were seen scampering to safety after the warring parties were wielding dangerous weapons and began shooting sporadically during the clash that started around 8 am on Monday.

The crisis which started around Iyana Oba has spread to the Alaba-Rago area, directly opposite Lagos State University (LASU), and the popular Volks Bus Stop.

Spokesman of the command, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, who confirmed the development said that police officers have been drafted to the scene and that normalcy has been restored to the areas.