The usually bustling Oluwole Market in Ogba, Lagos, was plunged into chaos as clashes erupted between members of the Yoruba and Hausa communities, leaving a young man dead and igniting a cycle of violence and reprisal attacks.
According to reports by Daily Trust, the conflict began Thursday night and escalated into Friday morning, culminating in the tragic death of a Yoruba man identified as Abbey. The altercation allegedly started when Abbey intervened in a dispute between two Hausa men, only to be fatally stabbed by an unknown assailant during the confrontation.
Abbey’s death served as a catalyst for further violence as tensions reached a boiling point between Yoruba and Hausa residents.
The reprisal attacks that followed saw a wave of destruction, particularly targeting the property of Hausa traders in the market. Food items, including peppers, onions, and other commodities, were destroyed amid the chaos, bringing commercial activities to a standstill.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of mayhem as clashes engulfed the market, prompting concerns among residents and authorities alike.
Police presence in the area was visibly heightened, with patrol vans deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation of the violence.
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The incident underscores the delicate interethnic dynamics present in many urban centers across Nigeria and highlights the need for swift and decisive action to address underlying tensions and prevent future conflicts.
