Hoodlums clash, block Lagos-Badagry expressway

• We are investigating, says Hundeyin
• Army urges Abuja residents not panic as women corps begins field training exercise

There was pandemonium in the Ijanikin area of Lagos, yesterday, as hoodlums and rival gangs in the community attacked one another.

The Guardian learnt that before the incident, some community members had severally sent an Save Our Soul (SOS) message to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to address the barbaric acts of youths in the area.
 
A week ago, angry youths from the area blocked the same Ijanikin section of the road, protesting the death of an Okada rider in the area, who allegedly died at the hands of policemen.
   
Reacting, the Lagos State police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident said: “There was trouble in the area but the road has been cleared and normalcy restored to the community. An investigation is ongoing and we are doing everything to maintain order in the state. Our interest is the protection of life and property.”

MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Army , yesterday, urged Abuja residents, especially communities  around the outskirts of the  city to shun panic as its women corps embarks on field training Exercise.
   
Communities put on alert are: Gwagwalada, Giri, Tugan Maji, Ana-Gada, Gudumba, Tagilogo and Makalma. Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Corp, Captain Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi,  in a  statement,  announced the commencement of a seven-day Field Training  Exercise (FTX) for the Nigerian Army Women Corps (NAWC) in Giri-Gwagwalada general area, Abuja. 
 
Abdullahi said the exercise is designed to test the troop’s leadership skills, physical fitness, team work, military operations other than war, among other military drills.
   
He added that the exercise would also provide a platform to ascertain troops’ preparedness towards supporting all the Army’s engagements.
 
The spokesperson advised members of the communities to stay away from the exercise area during the entire period of the FTX.
He also enjoined residents in the areas mentioned to go about their normal daily activities and report any breach of security to the nearest authority.