Three persons have been allegedly killed at Ebute-Metta in the last two days by gang members fighting for supremacy. The latest casualty ...
Three persons have been allegedly killed at Ebute-Metta in the last two days by gang members fighting for supremacy.
The latest casualty was a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, identified as 'D1', Dayo Olaniyi.
Residents said the gang war in the area took a frightening dimension on Thursday, when a gang known as 'Otto boyz' went on rampage in reprisal for the alleged killing of some of their members.
Olaniyi, 26, was allegedly killed in retaliation for the gruesome killing of Akeem Omisore and Wasiu Alarape, on Wednesday.
"D1 belonged to a rival gang known as the Apapa Road Fagbayimu group. The two gangs have been at logger heads over the control of petty business parks, transport and traders unions at Ebute-Metta; the killing is a show of supremacy by the gangs," a resident who requested anonymity said.
Residents estimated that over ten youths have died in gang fights, with property worth millions of naira destroyed at Ebute-Metta, since the violence started in August 2011.
It was gathered that the gang members, numbering about 30 and clad in T-shirts and Jeans, stormed Moshood Abiola Way along Apapa Road, shooting indiscriminately.
They were also said to have been wielding machetes and other dangerous weapons.
Olaniyi was reportedly shot to death at Iya Agan Street in the area, while gang members escaped before the arrival of the police.
The gang war has however, thrown the four communities at Ebute-Metta into a state of panic as residents have also been caught in the clash in the past.
Some residents are said to have fled their homes, but meanwhile, a combined team of anti-riot police officers have been drafted to the scene to quell the violence.
It was gathered that the police presence has brought some calm to the area, but residents claim that the relative peace may not last considering the repeated experiences they have had with the warring gangs.
Agbodimu Musbau, Chairman of the Otto-Ilogbo Slum-dwellers Association, Mainland chapter, said that the ceaseless attacks by the gangs have become unbearable for the residents.
"We all appeal to the authority to come to our aid as the gangs are regrouping to cause further mayhem. Now that the police is after them they will calm down but in a few months, they will come out to retaliate the killing of their members," he said, adding the violence had continued in spite of community efforts to quell the crisis.
"And when this battle of supremacy starts, it is the residents that usually count loses of various valuables as they will smash vehicles' wind screens, loot shops, houses and attack passersby and residents. Anybody they see will be dealt with mercilessly."
Musbau said the gangs agreed on a ceasefire last year, following a meeting involving leaders of the community, the various warring factions, and the police.
According to Musbau, the factions involved were Lion Junction, Fagbayimu Boys, Otto Scorpion Joint, Otumara and Ayewa Boys.
"We identified the problems and a ceasefire was agreed. The police warned the leaders to maintain peace but the boys have started again," he said.
"The community is appealing to the State Security Service (SSS), Police and other security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of this violence and restore permanent peace to our area."
Source: http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/three-killed-ebute-metta-gang-wars
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