What really went down at Balogun Market – Lagos Police

The Lagos State Police Command has cleared the air on the violent incident that claimed a life at Balogun Market on Wednesday, insisting it was not a tribal clash as widely speculated on social media.

Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that one Ebuka Adindu stabbed Sodiq Ibrahim to death during a fight in the Mandillas area of Lagos Island.

Eyewitness reports on social media had earlier alleged that street urchins hijacked the situation and began attacking innocent people, causing panic among residents. But Hundeyin dismissed the claims, describing them as false.

“Your claim of street urchins taking over the street is false. Please do not cause unnecessary panic. DPOs Lion Building and Ebute-Ero are currently on the ground with their men, maintaining the restored peace. Also, the suspect has been arrested and is in custody for further necessary actions,” he stated.

He further explained that the fight broke out among hoodlums and was not connected to any ethnic rivalry. According to him, the suspect, Adindu, also stabbed himself in the shoulder during the scuffle and is currently receiving treatment under police custody.

Hundeyin stressed that no other casualties were recorded and no property was destroyed during the fracas.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to reiterate that the incident is not a tribal clash but purely between miscreants and hoodlums around the Balogun Market. Normalcy has been restored,” he added.

Quoting the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, Hundeyin urged Lagosians to remain calm, law-abiding, and ignore rumours capable of creating unnecessary fear.