Violence erupted in the Ile-Epo vicinity of Lagos State, resulting in multiple injuries and extensive damage following clashes among hoodlums within a local market. The confrontation, which commenced Wednesday night, persisted into Thursday morning, resulting in rampant arson as warring factions set numerous shops and goods ablaze.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation rapidly deteriorated, with groups igniting multiple storefronts. “It was utter chaos. Flames engulfed the area, drowned out only by the cries of distress and the shattering of glass,” recounted a market vendor who chose anonymity for safety concerns.
Despite swift police deployment, attempts to quell the unrest faced staunch resistance. “Our response teams acted promptly, but the sheer ferocity of the mob and their hostility hindered our efforts,” stated a spokesperson from the Lagos State Police. Authorities are probing the root cause of the altercation and are determined to reinstate order.
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Emergency services encountered significant hurdles as well. A Lagos State Fire Service vehicle had to retreat as a hostile crowd bombarded it with stones. “We endeavored to reach the scene to extinguish the flames, but the situation became too perilous to proceed,” elucidated a firefighter at the site.
Assessment of the damage is underway, with authorities pledging heightened security measures to thwart further escalations. The market remains shuttered until further notice as cleanup operations and investigations persist.
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