3 die in Ipaja violence over taxi fare dispute

(Police Officials. Photo by Vanguard News)

Three people were k!lled and several others injured yesterday following a violent clash in the Ikola area of Ipaja in Lagos.

However, there are different versions of how the trouble started.

One account said the incident began when an okada rider and his passenger disagreed over 200 naira in fare.

The argument escalated into a fight during which the rider allegedly st@bbed the passenger in the stomach.

The passenger d!ed on the spot.

An eyewitness said the okada rider picked up a young man from Church Bus Stop and took him to Adeniran near the market.

The rider asked for 500 naira but the passenger only gave 300 naira.

This caused a disagreement.

During the argument, the rider pulled out a knife and st@bbed the man, who d!ed immediately.

After the st@bbing, the rider went to Wazobia Market to call his colleagues.

The rider’s colleagues then came and started terrorizing people in Ikola. Residents became angry and went to the market, setting it on fire.

The eyewitness said the riders’ colleagues k!lled three persons in Ikola and also stole motorbikes.

The deceased’s colleagues reportedly k!lled five persons on the riders’ side.

Another eyewitness who barely escaped d£ath said he saw victims with severe injuries.

One person had a leg completely severed from st@bbing and the other leg had deep cuts.

Another victim was wearing yellow and purple traditional clothing and had his intestines coming out from his left side before he d!ed.

A third person was k!lled with a knife, with deep cuts all over his head, hands and legs.

He tried to run but was caught and overpowered by his @tt@ckers who had knives.

The violence caused panic among residents living near the market.

Many people quickly packed their belongings and left the area for safety.

Some residents also said the group from the market threatened to burn down houses in Ikola as retaliation.

However, the Lagos State Police gave a different account.

According to police, the incident started when some area boys allegedly tried to collect 200 naira from a tricycle rider.

When the rider refused to pay, the group seized the tricycle.

The rider later returned with others, leading to a violent confrontation between the two groups.

Three people were k!lled and two others injured.

Some buildings were also set on fire during the violence.

The d£ad and injured were taken to Military Hospital Yaba for treatment.

Police have deployed officers to the area to maintain order and prevent further violence.

An investigation has begun.