Bloody clashes have been reported at Jibowu area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
The clash, between some youths paralysed activities in the area and has created panic among residents and commuters. There is extensive gridlock from motorists declining to proceed into the volatile area.
Among the first alerts of the incident was a tweet by ‘Inside Mainland’ which simply said there was ‘an ongoing clash at Yaba/Jibowu’.
“Multiple gunshots have been confirmed. Please avoid the axis till normalcy is restored. RT for awareness,” it added.
“They’re fighting in Jibowu Lagos as I type. Seems its NURTW, but it’s happening in front of Chisco Park and I’m hoping it’s not Ethnic,” another Titter user, Niger Delta wrote.
Images seen online showed the area is deserted as traders have abandoned their shops and fled for safety.
Lagos Traffic Radio earlier reported that “There’s busy traffic around Jibowu – Fadeyi corridor due to civil unrest and this is affecting vehicular flow. RRS have been informed in a bid to restore normalcy to the area.”
Spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a tweet said the command was aware of the fracas in Jibowu, but said patrol teams had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
“We are aware of the fracas going on at Jibowu. Patrol teams have been deployed. We are monitoring the situation. Stay safe,” he said.
He tweeted again by saying “Normalcy already restored. Fact check and let us know.”
Despite his tweet, residents said the area was still boiling and that people should avoid Jibowu for now.
