Authorities apprehend nearly two dozen individuals in connection with violent dispute in Lagos neighborhood

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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 18 suspects in connection with a violent clash in Ilemba Hausa, a community in the Ojo area of Lagos.

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The clash, which involved youths in the neighbourhood, was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, showing groups of young men hurling dangerous objects at one another as the situation escalated.

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Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, Adebisi Abimbola, told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the suspects had been taken into custody.

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“Eighteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the clash and are currently in police custody,” she said.

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Abimbola added that the situation had been brought under control, with senior officers deployed to the area to oversee the restoration of peace.

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She assured residents that normalcy had returned and urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

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A police source in the community told our correspondent that the Baale (community head) had been summoned by the area commander over the extent of damage recorded during the clash.

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“The Baale was summoned by the area commander because of the level of destruction caused. Some youths broke into shops in the course of the clash,” the source said.

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Meanwhile, the command dismissed claims that two police officers, including the Divisional Police Officer of the Ilemba Hausa Division, were killed during a related incident at Iyana Ojo.

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In a post on her X handle, the police spokesperson described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that no police personnel or civilians were killed.

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“Police operatives responded promptly to the situation, and normalcy has since been restored. Officers remain on ground to maintain a visible presence and ensure sustained peace,” she said.

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She further clarified that the videos circulating online were not related to the incident and should not be treated as credible evidence.

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Abimbola urged the public to verify information from official and credible sources before sharing, warning against the spread of misinformation capable of causing panic.

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The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

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