Many injured as cultists go on rampage in Lagos

Scores were injured  yesterday as factional cult groups in Lagos went on rampage  at Mushin and Oshodi areas.

The fracas, which started Tuesday night, saw the hoodlums, aged between 18 and 25, smashing vehicles’ windscreens and damaging other things along Lawanson Road,  Mushin and Oshodi.

Currently, a joint team of soldiers and riot policemen has been drafted to the affected areas to prevent the crisis from spreading to other parts of the metropolis.

Daily Sun gathered that trouble started when two cult groups engaged themselves in a battle of supremacy at the Mushin area of Lagos.

Armed with guns, machetes,  broken bottle, iron rod, charms and other dangerous weapons, the rival cultists attacked themselves and other road users.

A resident of Mushin, John Udoh, told our correspondent: “It was like war situation, as gunshots were fired  and other dangerous weapons freely used.

We took cover in our various homes. Many vehicles were smashed. My car was badly damaged.

My landlord’s car was burnt. Two of my neighbours, coming back from night duty were seriously injured. I don’t know what they are fighting for, but I think it was a battle of supremacy.

They started the fight Tuesday night and continued yesterday.

“When we started seeing strange faces converging on vantage positions, smoking and drinking without control, we reported to the police.

They did not take any action until fight broke out. I am appealing to the state commissioner of police to prevail on his men to be proactive rather than reactive.

We foresaw danger and reported to the authority concerned, yet they did not take action.”

Another resident, Ebrison Akpan, said: “Over 20 persons were injured at Mushin. Street urchins, who were not even cult members, cashed in on the situation to unleash mayhem on innocent people.

They also used the opportunity to rob innocent people. My friend, Ayim, lost his tricycle, Keke Marwa, to the hoodlums.”

At Oshodi, street urchins also engaged themselves in serious fight that forced pedestrians and motorists to run for safety.

The hoodlums used dangerous weapons to attack themselves and innocent citizens, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles.

Innocent Madu, who witnessed the fight in Oshodi, alleged that the street urchins were sent by some traders to attack their perceived enemies in the market.

He said: “It was a battle of supremacy between some traders. The traders sent some street urchins after their enemies, but, it was hijacked by other idle urchins, who started attacking themselves and passers-by.

Some cultists also used the opportunity to attack rival groups. The thing is confusing. I thank God that the police and the military have intervened.”

Meanwhile, the military has sent its men to the area to complement the work of the police.
As at press time, security agents were visible on the scene, keeping vigil and maintaining peace.

The State Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the Mushin fracas, said no life was lost and no arrest made.

He said: “It was a minor dispute among traders. Area D commander, DPO and patrol team responded to the scene. They had a meeting with all the parties and stakeholders in the market here; they were warned to maintain peace.

Normalcy has returned to the place and the Commissioner of Police had order a continuous police presence in the area.”
Daily Sun reports