Tragedy struck on Saturday during a festival in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, where a police inspector and two others were killed.
It was gathered that the clash started when some youths from Ilagbo community and Oriyanrin town fought at Kilajolu festival at Ilagbo.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, the clash strayed at a masquerade festival between two youths from different communities.
Some youths from Oriyanrin town were alleged to have caused trouble at the festival and the elders of Ilagbo community sent them away.
Out of annoyance, the Oriyanrin youths who were sent away laid ambush for some Ilagbo youths who were returning from the festival and hacked one Ismaela to death.
The late Ismaela’s brother identified as Matanle, who went to evacuate the remains of his brother was also hacked to death by the Oriyanrin youths this led to Ilagbo youths’ retaliation.
They attacked Oriyanrin community and burned down houses, vehicles and other property worth millions of naira. An elderly woman who suffered stroke and was unable to take to her heels also lost her life.
A resident, Mr Moriu Made described the incident as unfortunate, disclosing that he could not run when the youths from Ilagbo invaded the community because of his deteriorating health.
“They burnt my house and my younger brother’s house. Some other residents’ houses were also burnt. I don’t know where to start from.
“I am the only person left in the community as you can see and I have not eaten for three days. Government should please provide adequate security for us.”
Another resident, 102-year-old man was also left in the deserted community.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni however warned the residents on communal clashes during a visit to the community.
“We will make sure there is no reprisal attacks in the community but you the traditional heads need to dialogue and find lasting solution to these attacks and meet with your people regularly to brainstorm on how to move the community forward or you voice out if you are not capable.
“The elders in this community should be ashamed of themselves. The police helped you to settle clashes but you killed an inspector that was trying to broker peace.
“If you are not careful, we will accuse you of using policemen and your community members for rituals and this will discourage investors from your community and your children will suffer too.
“Nothing stops you from organizing vigilante with the police. Instead, your children go behind the back to kill policemen. Policemen also have families.
“You know the solution but if you don’t want peace to reign, we will handle it with force.
“You need to give us assurance that you are ready to defend your community because the security starts with you.
“You will never see police carry guns in civilized countries except in a community where hoodlums are rampant.
“You should establish cordial relationship with investors to enjoy corporate social responsibility not kill.
“Every religious leader has a role to play. If you don’t put a stop to this craze now, it will spread. You should continue to utilize the same wisdom you have always used in keeping the community calm.
“We keep doing our best in chasing militants away from your community but you are starting an internal fight instead of joining hands with us to combat them.” he said.
Owoseni stated further that a boy was killed by youths from Oriyanrin community and his brother who went to rescue him was also hacked to death.
“When the brother was attacked, it was at that point that a distress call got to the police and our men were deployed to the community to restore normalcy.
” We have had discussion with the community leaders to help us with information on how to arrest the culprits who caused the carnage so that fleeing residents can return.
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