2 dead as hoodlums clash in Lagos

Two persons were feared dead and several others wounded, yesterday, as hoodlums invaded some streets in the Ebute-Meta area of Lagos. The immediate cause of the invasion could not be ascertained, while some of the residents said it could not be unconnected with thelingering crisis in the area. But the police said it was a case of robbery, an assertionthat corroborated the claim of some residents. The no fewer than 20 hoodlums, as gathered, stormed the area at midnightand started shooting sporadically. In the process, vehicles were reportedly vandalised. They reportedly fired from 12 midnight till 2am before policemen from Iponri stormed the scene. Streets affected included Brickfield, Moshood Abiola Road (formerly Apapa Road), Daudu Lane and Olokodana. After the police left, the hoodlums reportedly showed up again at 8 a.m, during which one of the residents was shot in the mouth. Another resident, a woman was reportedly bathed with hot water by the hoodlums. Shops were also reportedly broken into and goods looted, while unsuspecting commuters were attacked. Those affected, as gathered, included those returning from a viewing centre. Commenting on the development, spokesman forthe Lagos State Police Command, Mrs. Ngozi Braide, said six persons were arrested by the police, adding that they would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Meanwhile, police patrol vans, including those of the Rapid Response Squad weresighted patrolling the area, yesterday while an Amoured Personnel Carrier was stationed at Abule-Nla, apparently to nip in the bud likely reprisal attack.