Juliana Francis



Six people were killed while several others were injured when two rival gangs clashed on Lagos Island.

Witnesses claimed that the men were killed by a man identified as Falapa during the clash between Okepopo boys and Onola boys. It was learnt that in the last one week, when the renewed clash of mistreats started on the Island, Falapa had killed six men with his English gun, superior to the Dane gun carried by rival group.

Witnesses said Irabor, Mustapha and four others, whose names were not yet known, were killed.

“Falapa vowed after the last clash with Onola boys early this year, where three of his gang members from Okepopo were killed, that he would surely avenge their death. To make his plan successful, he bought a new gun and has been looking for opportunity to execute his mission.

“He succeeded during celebration of the 155th anniversary of Epetedo existence where a local musician came to perform in the area.

Falapa and his gang members pursued Onola boys who left the area about 3.30a.m. and attacked them at Tokunbo Street where two persons were killed.

“On Friday night, Irabor, a member of Onola youths, was also shot dead at Atiko area on the Island, while Mustapha was shot dead on Sunday afternoon at Branco Street.

Two other members were shot dead at Okepopo area when the Onola boys went for a reprisal on Monday morning,” a witness said.

The incessant killings have led to the closure of many shops and markets at Itafaji, Evans, Branco, Olushi, Atiko, Onola, Okepopo, Massey Apatira, Smith and other adjacent streets on the Island. Residents were packing out in some of the areas yesterday.

Police from the Area ‘A’ Police Command, Lion Building, in the early hours of yesterday, raided an undisclosed hotel where some gang members of Falapa hid after operations.

Two of Falapa’s lieutenants, ‘Semo and Segun Playboy,’ were arrested among other suspects.

The state Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, on Thursday, assured Lagos-Island residents that he would bring an end to neighbourhood crimes and cultism. Edgal gave the assurance during a Town-Hall Stakeholders Security Meeting hosted by the Area ‘A’ Commander, ACP J. O. Akinyede, at Lion Building, Lagos.

He said: “We continue to have neighbourhood crimes and cultrelated violence and for this reason, I have, with immediate effect, ordered Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to reach out to traditional rulers, CDAs and other voluntary groups.

We will set up vigilance group in Area ‘A’ Command to reach out to inner streets and neighbourhoods to restore peace in the community.”

lalasticlala