More than 100 people have been arrested over Thursday’s bloody riots in Mile 12, Lagos biggest food market.
“The police have arrested 105 suspects in connection with the disturbances in and around ‘Mile 12’ market,” Lagos state police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmus told AFP.
“Three people died in the fracas. The suspects will be charged shortly with murder, arson and breach of public peace,” she said.
Badmus said trouble began on Wednesday when a motorbike-taxi driver knocked down a woman at the market.
The “okada” rider, an Hausa, refused to take the woman to hospital.
She later died of injuries sustained.
The spokesperson said irate youths locals then attacked other “okada” riders, leading to a free-for-all in the area.
Over a dozen or cars and buildings were burnt down.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has already ordered the closure of the market and imposed curfew on four streets in the area.
He said: “In order to further restore calm in the community, I have ordered that the Mile 12 market be temporarily shut and urge traders and other stakeholders to eschew violence and be law abiding.
“Furthermore, I have ordered temporary restriction of movement in four streets-Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and Agiliti 2 streets.”
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