100 Vehicles Vandalised, Many Injured In Lagos Violence

No fewer than 100 vehicles were vandalised and many injured when urchins, otherwise known as “Area boys” on reprisal invaded four streets in Akoka and Pedro in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The hoodlums were said to have arrived the area through the Somolu Market pretending to be holding a candlelight procession for a man, identified simply as Old Skool.
The man was allegedly stabbed repeatedly by some youths during a rally organised by the Somolu LG Chairman, Mr. Gbolahan Bago-Stowe to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Solanke Street.
Old Skool died on Easter Sunday, thus creating tension in the Akoka part of the LG.
Our correspondent learnt that more than 70 hoodlums stormed the streets between 10pm on Sunday and 1am on Monday, destroying vehicles parked on the streets and inflicting injuries on many residents.
A resident, Mr. Ernest Molokwu, said he was beaten up by the hoodlums while his commercial bus was vandalised.
He said, “I was at the balcony of my house when I saw the hoodlums. Knowing what they can do, I tried to drive my bus away from my street, but they caught up with me and beat me up. They also broke the windscreen of my bus. As it is now, I cannot work today(Monday).”
Our correspondents who visited the affected streets- Solanke, Ibukun Olu, Ojo Square/Ojo Street and Kajero- in Akoka saw many of the vandalised vehicles. Some residents said many whose vehicles were affected had taken them away from the streets.