One Killed, Two Policemen Injured as NURTW Members Clash in Lagos

At least one person was on Tuesday killed while two policemen severely injured in a fracas that erupted between factional members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Island unit.

It was gathered that the fracas started when some gunmen invaded a meeting organised by the union leader and spilled over to Idumota, Tom Jones, Dosuno, Iga-Idugarab and Idumagbo areas on the Lagos Island.

Whilst the fracas lasted, banks and shops remained close despite the presence of armed mobile policemen and soldiers, who were deployed to ensure normalcy returns to the area.

According to police sources, the fracas started when the NURTW Lagos Island head, Kunle Folly , was having a meeting with members of the respective garages around midnight when trouble started.

Midway into the meeting , Folly reportedly stepped out to ease himself, accompanied  by two policemen and his personal assistant identified simply as Pero, when sporadic gunshots were heard.

His police details were said to have returned fire but they were outnumbered, as they were hit by bullets in the legs, ribs and hand.

When the dust settled, the injured were rushed to the hospital where Pero was confirmed dead and he has since been buried according to Muslim rites.

As at yesterday, the entire area was still tensed and shops were under lock and keys, over fear of a reprisal attack.

The attack according to a member of the union was suspected to have been carried out by hoodlums from Agarawu. As

As at press time, policemen comprising both conventional and Mobile policemen, those of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and military personnel, were patrolling the area.

The state Police Public Relations Officers, SP Chike Oti, promised to ascertain if any arrests have been made yet.