Traders Run For Their Lives As Hoodlums Attack Lagos Abattoir

Confusion has erupted over the cause of a crisis at an abattoir in the Agege area of Lagos State on Wednesday.

This is as traders were driven off by hoodlums armed with machetes and other weapons.

“We had to run for our lives, they (hoodlums) came with weapons,” a meat seller at the abattoir said.

It was gathered that the crisis was caused by a levy imposed on customers who patronised the abattoir by hoodlums in the area.

However, a police source further revealed that the crisis was caused by a new policy imposed by the management of the abattoir to ensure hygiene.

“When some of the traders were leaving the abattoir this morning, the hoodlums asked for money. They almost stabbed those that resisted. That was what led to the crisis,” an animal feed seller opposite the abattoir stated.

While the crisis was going on, it was learnt that passengers in tricycles going through the route were robbed.

“I saw some guys in hundreds with machetes, knives and other dangerous weapon at U-turn, Abule Egba. The whole community is in panic. I witness those boys robbing people inside Keke Napep in front of Abimbola Estate inwards abule Egba. I has to run for my life and keep my phone,” an eyewitness said.

The spokesperson for Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said police operatives had been sent to the scene of the crisis.

According to him, “Abattoir area of Lagos State is calm. News of violence is false. Just a minor rancour within the management of the abattoir. Stakeholders already working towards a lasting solution.”

Hours later, the Lagos police’s Rapid Response Squad posted a picture of its operatives at the scene of the crisis with the caption, “RRS supported by surrounding police divisional units are on top of the crisis in Abbatoir, Agege.

“Normalcy has returned to the area while efforts are in progress to completely dislodge the miscreants around the area.”