Residents flee in panic as thugs unleash violence in Lagos community

Friday, January 9, 2026 - Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday after hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes along parts of the area.

According to Punch, no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred at Kabowei Bus Stop in Meiran at about 1pm on Wednesday.

However, the incident caused panic among motorists, with several drivers abandoning their vehicles along the axis to seek safety.

As the violence unfolded, residents and commuters reportedly scampered for cover while groups of young men, some armed with axes, ran through the road.

A resident who identified himself only as Segun told Punch that he was forced to abandon his vehicle and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation calmed.

“The issue started right in front of Amala at Meiran Bus Stop. I had to get out of my car and seek shelter when I saw about five men wielding axes and chasing another group of young men.

“I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to drive through the chaos. Other drivers also parked their vehicles by the roadside to allow the violence to die down. I returned to pick up my car a few minutes later when everywhere became calm,” he said

Explaining what allegedly triggered the incident, another resident, who identified himself only as Moses, said the fight started after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the seller.

Moses narrated, “After they collected the ice cream, the seller demanded his money, but instead of paying, they refused and began threatening him.

“He then contacted some of his friends, who came to confront the boys. Suddenly, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the chaos started.”

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent on Wednesday were not returned.

Although it remains unclear whether the incident was cult-related, similar cases of youths chasing one another with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.

Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly infiltrated a masquerader festival in the Orile Iganmu area of the state, shooting at least three people dead.