A deadly fight between two salesmen in Oluwole Urban Mall on Lagos Island on Wednesday left one person dead, halted trading activities, and sparked unrest, prompting swift responses from local authorities.
The Lagos State Police Command and the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government have clarified that the incident was not an ethnic clash, urging residents to avoid jungle justice and maintain peace.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when a dispute between two young salesmen escalated into violence.
Ebuka Adindu from Abia State stabbed Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State to death during a chaotic brawl. Adindu then stabbed himself in the shoulder, collapsed, and was arrested while receiving treatment in a hospital.
He remains in custody and will face prosecution upon recovery. Police confirmed that no innocent lives were lost, and no goods or properties in the mall were damaged.
The Lagos State Police Command, through spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, emphasized that the fight was not tribally motivated. “The incident is not a tribal clash but purely between miscreants and hoodlums around the Balogun Market and Oluwole Urban Mall,” the police stated.
Officers, supported by the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps, restored order, ensuring nearby markets like Balogun and Martins remained unaffected.
Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh reassured residents, saying, “Lagos is peaceful. Marketers and the public should go about their lawful activities without fear.”
Following a distress call, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government visited Oluwole Urban Mall, where the incident occurred.
The chairman condemned the unrest, stating, “Every resident’s life is precious. As such, there is no justification for jungle justice.” T
he chairman noted that the clash grounded trading activities, with shops closing temporarily as panic spread. The local government is working with the police to prevent further disturbances and ensure safety.
BestLagos.ng advises readers to rely on official updates from the police and local government. Stay tuned for further developments on this story.
