A violent clash erupted in the Mandilas area of Lagos Island on Wednesday, resulting in one confirmed death and heightened tensions among traders.
The incident, which stemmed from a dispute over job earnings between two young men, escalated into a stabbing that left one person dead.
Eyewitness accounts indicate the fight began between a Yoruba hustler and an Igbo hustler, locally known as “Osofia” boys, who argued over sharing money from a customer transaction.
The disagreement turned physical, and the Igbo man allegedly stabbed the Yoruba man, who later died from his injuries.
In response, angry mobs, including friends of the deceased, retaliated, leading to further unrest and injuries to innocent bystanders.
Reports suggest the Igbo suspect was beaten by onlookers before being taken to a nearby police station.
However, some Yoruba groups expressed dissatisfaction and continued causing disturbances, turning the personal quarrel into broader chaos.
Videos circulating online showed scenes of panic, with shops closing and people fleeing the area.
While some described the incident as an ethnic clash between Yoruba and Igbo communities, others emphasized it was an isolated dispute fueled by economic pressures, not tribal hatred.
Social media users urged caution against escalating the situation into a larger conflict, calling for unity among Lagos residents. “Violence solves nothing. Unity is our only hope,” one post read.
