11 killed, 7 missing in Lagos communal clash

11 people have been killed in a communal clash between the Egun community in Lekki area of Lagos and Yoruba youths 

Seven other individuals are also missing in an aftermath of the communal clash

The clash erupted after residents of the Egun community asked the Yoruba youths to vacate the lands over persisting land grab issue

Several people are feared dead following a communal clash between two communities in Lagos state. Punch reports that a clash between Otodo Gbame – an Egun community in Lekki phase 1 and some Yoruba youth have led to the killing of 11 people. 

It was also gathered that seven people re still missing after the clash. Meanwhile, eye witnesses said the conflict started on Sunday, November, 13, after residents of the community insisted that the Yoruba youths relocate from the area over land grabbing issue. 

Police officers from the Area J command and the Rapid Response Squad in Ikeja were said to have stormed the area to restore calm. One of the residents, Stephen Emmanuel said he lost two of children – Maryam and Samuel – in the clash. 

Emmanuel, a commercial driver said the deceased jumped into the river while trying to escape the youths. 

“I was at work when they called me on the telephone that there was trouble in the community. My two children were trying to escape from the fire and jumped into the river. That was how they drowned. We recovered their corpses the following day,” Emmanuel said. 

However, the Egun community youth leader Norbet Abraham said that seven people were still missing since the clash erupted. He said three corpses were recovered from the river when some police officers stopped them at about 10.30 am. 

He said: “There are 11 deceased so far, including a pregnant woman and two children. Some powerful persons have paid the police to ensure that we are shut out and they do not allow us into the community. Our community leader is also in custody. 

He is being held at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Panti, Yaba.” Some of the missing residents were identified as Akuwayon Mawewang, Jeremiah Abode, Babajide Jinu, Hunu Agonbabo, Tenseme Fofeyon, Auyiho Mawugi and Temidire Aishat. 

While nine of the corpses recovered by residents from a river in the community were identified as Babajide Tosihun, Mfinrinfo Esinfo, Sosu Abosede, a pregnant woman, Bose Alade, one John, Thoto Avonba, Sesinu Ahiaboji, Hosu Wejede and Mawuyon Oviawe.  

But the Lagos command police spokesperson Dolapo Badmus said normalcy have returned to the area following the intervention of the police. She said all the suspects arrested during the operation will be charged to court. 

“Anyone with reliable report should come forward with it, and the command will investigate and deal with it decisively. The command does not have any report of death or missing person. The police do not rely on hearsays. Hearsays are not admissible in court,” Badmus said.