Scores injured as cult members go on rampage in Mushin

Scores of persons were injured as a factional cult group yesterday went on rampage in Mushin and Oshodi areas of Lagos State. The hoodlums, brandishing dangerous weapons and aged between 18 and 25, also shattered the windscreens of vehicles parked along Lawanson Road and Oshodi.

The fracas, which started around 9:00p.m. on Tuesday, spilled over to yesterday morning. Presently, a joint team of soldiers and anti-riot policemen had been drafted to the areas, particularly Oshodi, to prevent the crisis from escalating to other parts of the metropolis.

It was gathered that two factions of a cult group engaged themselves in a battle of supremacy at the Mushin area of Lagos. The hoodlums, armed with guns, machete, broken bottle, iron rod, charms and other dangerous weapons, attacked themselves and other road users.

A resident, John Udoh, told newsmen that: “It was like a war situation as gunshots were fired and we took cover in our various homes. Many vehicles were smashed. My car was badly damaged. My landlord’s car was affected too. Two of my neighbours, who came back from night duty were seriously injured. I don’t know what they are fighting for but I think it was a battle of supremacy.

“We have been seeing them for the past three days converging on vantage positions, smoking and drinking without control. We reported to the police, but the police did not take any action until this fight broke out. I am appealing to the Commissioner of Police to prevail on his men to be proactive rather than being reactive. We foresaw danger and reported to the authorities concerned, yet, no action was taken.”

Another eyewitness, Ebrison Akpan, said: “Over 20 persons were injured at Mushin, as street urchins, who were not even cult members, cashed in on the situation to unleash mayhem on innocent persons. They also used the opportunity to rob innocent people. My friend, Ayim lost his tricycle to the hoodlums.”

At Oshodi, street urchins also engaged themselves in a serious fight that forced passersby and motorists to scamper for safety. The hoodlums used dangerous weapons to attack themselves and innocent citizens, forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles. Many people were also injured during the fracas, forcing the police boss to deploy anti-riot policemen to the scene.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the incident at Mushin, said no life was lost and no arrest was made. “It was a minor dispute among traders. Area D commander, DPO, and patrol team responded to the situation. They had a meeting with all the parties and stakeholders in the market and they were warned to maintain peace. Normalcy has returned to the place and the Commissioner of Police has ordered continuous police presence in the area.”