A section of Ilepo Market in Oke Odo, Lagos State, was engulfed in flames following a clash between hoodlums and traders over disputed betting winnings. Witnesses recounted that the turmoil began on Wednesday evening and intensified through Thursday. Police presence has been deployed to restore order.
The unrest stemmed from a dispute where a trader, having won N13,000 in a lottery game, received only N11,000, sparking confrontation over the remaining N2,000. Exploiting the chaos, hoodlums from nearby areas seized the opportunity to plunder and set ablaze properties within the market premises, looting numerous shops and pillaging food items and valuables.
Traders like Aminu Muhammad Sa’id lamented the devastating loss, estimating millions of naira in damages. Access to the market remains restricted as police efforts to quell the violence continue, accompanied by the sound of tear gas dispersal.
