Tension turned deadly in the Alaba Rago area of Iba, Lagos State, on Sunday when a violent confrontation broke out between road transport workers, known locally as agberos, and supporters of a traditional monarch. The clash reportedly resulted in the death of an unidentified passenger who was struck by a speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the road.
The unrest was triggered by the recent launch of a new motor park allegedly established by the monarch for vehicles traveling to Nigeria’s northern and eastern regions. Residents said the park, located near Alaba Market, was unveiled on Saturday and immediately became a point of contention.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro, a resident named Shola explained that the agberos viewed the new facility as a threat to their existing revenue collection system. “There was a tussle between the monarch and the agberos over the park, and that’s what led to the fight,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said chaos erupted early Sunday when supporters of the monarch and transport workers clashed near the park. Amid the confusion, a passenger was fatally hit by a vehicle.
“In the process of chasing themselves and fighting, a passenger trying to cross the road was hit and died instantly,” another resident, Abbey, recounted.
Footage from the scene showed a crowd gathering around the victim’s lifeless body, with residents using a wrapper to cover the remains.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and convened a peace meeting with all involved parties on Monday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
The tragic event adds to a rising number of violent clashes involving transport unions and community stakeholders in Lagos and neighboring states.
