Panic in Lagos island after fatal PDP-APC clash

Two days after the Lagos rally of the southwest zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Tafawa Balewa Square, commercial activities have been paralysed in most parts of the economic hub of Lagos Island, following fears that a clash that resulted in the death of four people over the weekend could be reignited.

The rally, which was attended by leaders of PDP, including President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Nnamadi Sambo, created discomfort for residents of the state, as several roads around the venue were closed by security operatives, causing traffic in the densely populated region.

Despite heavy security presence, thugs loyal to PDP and opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), engaged in a brutal fight that led to the loss of four lives, while some miscreants took advantage of the traffic jam to dispossess people of their belongings.

On Monday, most banks, shops and houses around Idumagbo, Enuowa, Ashogbon,  Idumota did not open for business, while the few who did, operated in panic mode. The banks around Nnamdi Azikiwe street particularly experienced  low patronage and an unusual presence of policemen.

A resident who did not want to be named told TheCable that a fresh crisis could break out on Monday because the burial of one of those affected would hold later in the day and his colleagues could decide to avenge his death.

“No one is really safe around here anymore. These touts might strike today,” he said.

“It is in their habit to cause serious trouble during the burial of any of their members who dies during violence. We just hope that government will provide adequate security.”

TheCable obtained internal memos of a bank in the area updating staff on the situation and recommending early closure from work.

“This is to notify you of the civil unrest that took place in Idumota/Idumagbo axis over the past weekend. This was a fallout of the PDP rally that took place on the Island on Saturday and this emanated into thugs of the party and the opposition party involving in a free-for-all fight in which we learnt four people were killed,” one read.

“The camp of those killed have promised to retaliate; and as a result of this, there is visible tension in the environment. All the shops in the area are locked while traders are seen hanging around in groups.

“All the banks we visited in the vicinity are not open for business for now, but their staff are in their premises, scanning the environment just as we too are doing. We are not open to customers too at the moment but we are still in the branch watching out to know how the development unfolds.”

Another memo read: “Dear all, please hurry up, balance well and vacate the branch once 4.00pm, as the situation in the area is not okay. Our lives and bank assets are very key.”