The Executive Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Abiodun Jimoh Isola, has condemned the violent incident that occurred at the WaZoBia Market, Ikola, Lagos, which resulted in loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property.

Isola, in a statement, expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured, as well as residents, traders and business owners affected by the crisis.

According to him, the incident occurred on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while he was attending the council’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting in Ikeja.

He stated that he received information at about 10:00 a.m. about a clash involving two factional groups of hoodlums in the Ikola axis and immediately left the meeting for the scene.

Isola said he simultaneously contacted relevant security authorities, including the Meiran Divisional Police Officer, Joint Task Force and Nigeria Forest Security Service, but received further reports that the situation had escalated.

“Not long afterwards, I got another distressing update that the situation had escalated, resulting in loss of lives, injuries and the destruction of houses and other properties,” he said.

The chairman said he subsequently intensified contact with the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Area P Commander, the three divisional police officers covering Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, the Fire Brigade Service and other relevant authorities.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt response, noting that their deployment of personnel to the affected area helped contain the crisis, prevent further escalation and restore calm.

Isola said a preliminary assessment indicated that a densely populated slum, largely comprising shanties and makeshift structures, had allegedly become a hideout for suspected criminals and a source of insecurity and nuisance to residents.

He added that reports indicated that the area had allegedly been associated with activities including drug dealing and consumption, open clubbing and other forms of community disturbance.

The council chairman, however, clarified that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) only demolished shanties and illegal structures erected under the powerline.

He said structures built under powerlines posed serious risks to lives and public safety by exposing occupants to electrical hazards, obstructing emergency access and complicating rescue operations during fires and other emergencies.

“The unfortunate casualties and loss of lives witnessed during this crisis further reinforce the need to prevent people from living or operating businesses in unsafe and prohibited locations.

“Government has a responsibility to protect lives, and dangerous illegal structures must be removed in accordance with the law and public-safety requirements,” he said.

Isola specifically commended the Commissioner of Police for the prompt intervention and deployment of the Lagos Tactical Team, Rapid Response Squad and other security formations to the area.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Area P Commander, Divisional Police Officers of Meiran, Oke-Odo and Alagbado divisions, Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LASEMA and the Nigerian Army Dog Centre.

He also commended local vigilante groups, Community Development Committees, Christian Association of Nigeria, the Council of League of Imams, traditional institutions and community leaders for their role in calming tensions and restoring peace.

The chairman said he personally addressed residents during the security operation, assuring them that the council would continue to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in the area.