EKO NEWS

Five Feared Dead As Hoodlums Clash Over Election Banner In Lagos

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2021.

No fewer than five persons have been reportedly killed during a clash involving the factional members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oko-Baba in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State.
An eyewitness disclosed that the clash started when supporters of the Council Chairman, Omolola Essien, attempted to erect her re-election banner at the Oko-Baba Roundabout.

No fewer than five persons have been reportedly killed during a clash involving the factional members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oko-Baba in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State on Wednesday.

The clash, EKO HOT BLOG, gathered occurred in the early hours of Wednesday as the residents of the area scampered for safety over the fear of being attacked by the hoodlums.

A heavy presence of security operatives was however observed in the area on Wednesday as a Black Maria was also stationed at the roundabout to forestall break down of law and order in the state.

An eyewitness, who identified himself as Saleh, disclosed that the clash started when supporters of the Council Chairman, Omolola Essien, attempted to erect her re-election banner at the Oko-Baba Roundabout.

Saleh stated, “The hoodlums complained that the chairman had not done anything in their area since she was elected. The supporters felt angry and left without erecting the banner. But minutes later, some vigilante members loyal to the chairman came with guns.

“A shouting match ensued between the two factions and the vigilantes released bullets. Five persons were killed and another five are receiving treatment in a hospital. The fight is because of this week’s APC primary election in the council.”

While reacting to the fracas, the Council Chairman, Omolola Essien, blamed the mayhem on her opponent, saying, “My driver went to the roundabout with his brother to put up my banner that had fallen. My opponent’s banner was also there, but I think his people intentionally fell my banner.

“We didn’t know his boys were somewhere there. As my driver’s brother was trying to raise my banner, he heard gunshots. The boys came and opened gunfire.

“Some mallams around the roundabout died. Some of our people were also injured. They burnt my vehicle. I think five people died,” the Chairman said.