At least five people have reportedly been killed and eight others injured after armed youths allegedly attacked Sogunro community in Lagos State.
The incident, which has caused fear among residents, reportedly involved youths from neighbouring Iwaya community.
The Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Landgrabbing and Displacement in Lagos State disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, calling on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
According to the coalition, the attack occurred around midnight between November 1 and 2 after some youths from Iwaya allegedly invaded Sogunro over residents’ refusal to contribute money towards a party.
The group claimed that the attackers arrived with firearms, axes and other dangerous weapons, launching an assault that left several residents dead and others injured.
It alleged that five people lost their lives, while eight others sustained injuries that required medical attention.
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The coalition further stated that the victims were attacked in different ways, including being shot or hacked with axes. One victim was reportedly struck on the neck with an axe, while another corpse was allegedly thrown into a canal.
Properties were also said to have been destroyed and looted during the attack.
Expressing concern over the incident, the coalition questioned the alleged failure of authorities to arrest those responsible despite the reported deaths and destruction.
It noted that the violence had forced some residents, particularly those living close to the boundary between the two communities, to abandon their homes for safety.
Some of the displaced residents reportedly took shelter in boats and the homes of neighbours along the waterfront, fearing another attack.
The coalition urged the police to investigate the incident, arrest those involved and ensure they face prosecution. It also called for increased security in the area to prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain the reaction of the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, had yet to respond to a message sent to her.
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