Several dead, more missing in brutal Egun, Yoruba youths clash in Lekki
The residents of the Egun community that was on a receiving end of a brutal attack from irate Yoruba youths in Lekki, Lagos have begun to count their losses.
So far, no fewer than 11 persons have reportedly lost their lives as a result of the clash that occurred on Thursday.
Some Yoruba youths had reportedly stormed Otodo Gbame, an Egun community in Lekki Phase 1, demanding that the inhabitants vacate the land. They then set fire to houses and properties, which caused several residents to flee the area before police restored peace.
According to PUNCH, seven persons, namely: Akuwayon Mawewang, Jeremiah Abode, Babajide Jinu, Hunu Agonbabo, Tenseme Fofeyon, Auyiho Mawugi and Temidire Aishat are still missing.
On Saturday, bodies of three residents, believed to have jumped into a river during the crisis were also recovered.
Stephen Emmanuel, a commercial driver whose two children drowned during the crisis, said: “I was at work when they called me on the telephone that there was trouble in the community. My two children were trying to escape from the fire and jumped into the river. That was how they drowned. We recovered their corpses the following day.”
Babajide Tosihun, Mfinrinfo Esinfo, Sosu Abosede, a pregnant woman, Bose Alade, one John, Thoto Avonba, Sesinu Ahiaboji, Hosu Wejede and Mawuyon Oviawe, are the other casualties whose bodies were reportedly recovered from a river by residents.
The Egun community youths leader, Norbet Abraham and another resident identified as Solomon said policemen have taken control of the area, “threatening us and asking us to leave.”
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus however denied that the police have a record of any casualty.
“Anyone with reliable report should come forward with it, and the command will investigate and deal with it decisively. The command does not have any report of death or missing person. The police do not rely on hearsays. Hearsays are not admissible in court,” she said.
