Members of a transport union in Lagos have clashed with motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, in the Iyana Iba/Alaba Rago and Ojo areas of the state.
The incident which occurred on Monday morning in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state, where the Lagos State University (LASU) is situated, was as a result of the increment in tariff imposed on the 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.
While it has yet to be ascertained if there was any casualty, the Lagos State Police Command affirmed that its personnel have restored normalcy in the areas.
“The command wishes to debunk the rumour that the disagreement, not violence as being peddled in the social media, was between some ethnic groups,” the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement.
He added, “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.”
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.