Igbo traders Attacked by unknown thugs in Lagos State over election bid. 

Igbo traders has been attacked on the Lagos Island, some thugs called area boys , attacked some Igbo traders over accusation that they did not vote for President Buhari in Saturday’s election.

The miscreants, who were armed with dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, broken bottles, woods and knives, struck at about 9.am at five streets: Oluwole, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tinubu, Bamgbose and Alli streets, taking the traders unawares. They ordered that shops belonging to the Igbos should remain locked, threatening to kill anyone who violated their order.

When news of the attack filtered round other markets in the state dominated by the Igbos, most of them hurriedly locked up for fear of being entangle in any likely spread of the attack. When Vanguard visited both areas, policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad with others from Area ‘E’ as well as the Military, were sighted on foot and vehicular patrol. But most of the shops still remained locked.

The Igbos in Okota has send SOS calling on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to deploy  security officials  in the area, with a view to protecting their lives and property following heightened fear of possible attack from hoodlums.

A resident, Mr. Silvester Okoro, stated that Igbo residents in the area were still apprehensive despite police presence, urged security agents to conduct a 24-hour surveillance in the area.

The situation, which disrupted vehicular movements along the ever-busy expressway, also forced traders to lock up for the day.

A trader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said:

“I was on my way to Agbara when I heard sporadic shootings at Alaba Rago, which forced driver of the bus I boarded to stop at the Lagos State University, in order not to be caught in the crossfire. A police officer was shot in the process but I don’t know if he died or survived.” Another eyewitness, Anu, said Police reinforcement fired at the rampaging group, shooting two of them.

Continues saying “ People are still apprehensive, especially as the governorship election is fast approaching. Some say they will not go out to vote for fear of reprisal attack. We therefore, call on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to come to our rescue now before the worst happens.”

Another resident, Mrs. Angela Johnson, who stressed the need for more presence of police to fortify the area, said: “ We are using this opportunity to call on the police and other security agencies to fortify the area. This is the only way people can be reassured to come out and exercise their civic right”

 

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