Hoodlums set shops, goods on fire In Ile-ipo, Alimosho market in Lagos over betting game dispute

Suspected hoodlums have set shops and goods on fire, following a clash at the Ile-Ipo market in the Alimosho LGA of Lagos.

Vanguard gathered that the crisis began on Wednesday night following a dispute that ensued from a betting game between some traders.

The dispute resulted in an ethnic fight which was later hijacked by hoodlums.

A section of the market was, however, set on fire amid the fight, leaving traders and customers scampering for safety.

While the crisis raged, shops were looted and burnt, while the fight continued on Thursday morning.

Our correspondent gathered that some persons were said to have sustained injuries during the fight. All the shops in the market have been shut.

Meanwhile, Men of the Rapid Response Team, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command, have arrested unspecified number of suspects involved in the Thursday clash between some rival miscreant groups.

The clash which erupted in the early hours left many people were injured and properties destroyed.

A top RRS security officer who did not want to mention his name, said some suspects wee arrested in the process and would be prosecuted accordingly.

It was gathered that fight broke out in the market situated in the area on Wednesday night and continued till Thursday morning over disagreement on collection of truck levies between the rival groups.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, as off 1.30pm, security personnel including RRS were seen patrolling after restoring sanity around the area.

Initially, police intervention was restricted by the hoodlums before they were eventually subdued

Also, fire engines deployed to put out the inferno were forced to reverse after being they were attacked by the hoodlums.

(Vanguard)