Wednesday 27th February 2019, was a sad day at Alaba Rago as violence broke out and Three persons were feared killed and many others, including policemen, injured.
The violence that erupted yesterday which took place just before noon was caused by celebration of the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election on the express-way by some youths at Okokomaiko.
According to some sources, the youths who were armed with cutlasses and bottles, sang songs of victory from Alaba Rago and marched towards Okokomaiko, blocking the expressway and challenging other road users.
Their action caused serious traffic and erupted fear amongst commuters, market sellers and residents, they then resorted to violence at Okokomaiko, attacking traders and destroying their shops.
The Nation Precious Igbonwelundu spoke to some individuals in the area
Mrs Blessing, said:
“They came from Alaba Rago and were celebrating President Buhari’s victory. They shouted Sai Baba and marched towards Okokomaiko.
“When they got to Okokomaiko, they started destroying traders’ goods and this made them (traders) to run for fear.
“The hoodlums went to Okokomaiko Police Division and the officers tried to stop them, but they were violent. They attacked the officers and injured some of the policemen.
“We heard gunshots and later news started spreading that they killed one of the policemen. Parents ran to schools to take their children.
“Vehicles were not moving on this busy road because the youths also burnt tyres. It was terrible. Soldiers later came to restore peace.”
A meat seller, Sule, condemned the violence, saying it made it impossible for him to sell.
“I am from the North and those who caused this violence are also from the North. I have not sold anything since morning. What will I do with this meat now?” he said.
A motorcyclist said policemen arrested some people when they got to the scene. He, however, alleged that those arrested were innocent bystanders and not the perpetrators of the violence.
At the time of this report, policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and soldiers were still on the scene. An RRS helicopter was hovering over the area.
Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP),Police spokesman said 37 suspects were arrested at Alaba Rago, adding that investigation had begun.
He confirmed that the hoodlums attacked police vehicles and injured personnel who attempted to take them off the highway.
Oti said:
“Some youths blocked the highway and information was sent to the police. Policemen on traffic control duty were deployed and they tried to make them to leave the road, but they attacked the policemen. Some policemen sustained injuries. Reinforcement was dispatched to the scene and 37 persons were arrested. Investigation is on.
Did you experience this yesterday ?