At least one person was killed and four buildings burnt on Monday night at Dawodu Lane in Ilogbo Community at Apapa Road in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, when gunmen attacked the community.
Residents of the area told a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, who visited the place on Tuesday that the attackers came at around 9.00 p.m.
Some youth were seen with dangerous weapons, including cutlass and guns, while some residents were seen with their luggage moving out of the area.
Titilayo Ajose, wife of the community leader, Lateef Ajose, said that about 20 families were currently taking refuge in the palace after the attack.
Mrs. Ajose, popularly known as Ope-Oluwa, said that the people brought to the palace at around 10.00 p.m. on Monday night, were mostly women and children.
According to her, the crisis in the community is becoming a big challenge, as there is always shooting and looting of shops and houses during the attacks.
“We cannot still identify who the attackers are and their mission or grievances. The attackers are unknown gunmen.
“We have sacrificed several times to the gods to end these attacks but all to no avail.
“We want peace in Ilogbo Community. We want the police to station their men inside the streets in the community.
“People are afraid to open their shops or go out at night,’’ Mrs. Ajose said.
One of the residents, Rafuat Ado, said that the gunmen invaded her home at No. 1, Dawudu Lane at about 9.00 p.m. with guns.
“They sprayed petrol over our house and other buildings around and set them on fire. The arrival of the police saved us from being killed.
“The police escorted us to the palace where we slept over night with other families,’’ Ms. Ado said.
Crisis has continued to engulf the community since 2013.
Two persons, including a leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kunle Awotunde, were killed last month during an attack in the community.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, DSP, Ngozi Braide, who confirmed the clash, said that no fewer than 10 people had been arrested in connection with the attack.
Ms. Braide said that a police team from the Iponri Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspects at about 1.30 a.m. at Otto area of Ebute-Meta.
“The suspects will be screened and those found culpable will be prosecuted,’’ Ms. Braide said.
She said that meanwhile, the police had intensified patrol in the area. (NAN)
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