Members of National Union of Road Transport Workers Transport and motorcycle operators on Monday clashed at Iyana-Iba, Ragi and Ojo areas of Lagos.
The incident which was reportedly happened as a result of the increment in tariff imposed on the motorcycle operators popularly known as okada riders.
This caused tension in the areas as residents raised concern over their safety, while others claimed that the incidence was a clash between two ethnic groups.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and affirmed that its personnel have restored normalcy in the areas.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “the command wishes to debunk the rumour that the disagreement, not violence as being peddled in the social media, was between some ethnic groups,”
“Without mincing words, the incident has no ethic colouration whatsoever, but a mere conflict between transport unions and their okada units on ticketing and increment in tariff,” he said.
Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, noted that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu has ordered the immediate deployment of additional police personnel to the areas to maintain law and order.
The Area Commander in charge of Area E Police Command in Festac was also directed to personally be on the ground to monitor the situation and invite the leaders of the affected okada riders for an urgent meeting.
The command’s spokesman called on the residents, especially those around the areas and students of LASU to go about their lawful businesses and studies without fear.
He assured them that adequate deployment of police personnel has been done to fortify security in the axis and Lagos in general
