Violence erupted in Iba, Lagos State’s Alaba Rago neighborhood on Sunday after a clash between agberos, or road transport workers, and followers of a local traditional leader.
An unidentified pedestrian lost his life as a result of the disturbances after being hit by a speeding car.
The event allegedly happened after a new motor park was opened nearby, which the king supposedly built to accommodate cars heading to northern and eastern Nigeria. Launched over the weekend, the facility is believed to have caused tension among current transport personnel, who saw it as a challenge to their authority over the park system and local revenue collection.
The conflict started early on Sunday morning, according to locals, and grew more intense as the two groups approached one other close to the recently built park. A pedestrian who was trying to cross the street was struck by an incoming car during the altercation, resulting in fatal injuries. The victim immediately passed away.
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Local media posted footage of a terrible sight at the scene of the event, where worried neighbors gathered around the body. One video showed onlookers covering the remains with a wrapper to hide them.
The Lagos State Police Command acknowledged that steps had been made to bring peace back in response to the disturbance. According to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the state’s Commissioner of Police conducted an on-the-spot inspection in the region and met with the parties involved at the command headquarters in Ikeja the next day.
Police say they are working to mediate a settlement and stop the conflict from getting worse.
