Crisis broke out Tuesday, in Ibeshe area of Lagos, leaving three persons dead and several others injured.
However, the Lagos State Police Command, along with the Nigerian Navy, managed to restore normalcy as of time of filing in this report.
The crisis which erupted at about 6 pm, also resulted in the destruction of property, with several vehicles burnt.
It was said to have been caused by a lingering dispute over land ownership, between people of Ibeshe and the Ewe people who live adjacent to the river.
READ ALSO: CRPP Warns Obaseki Against Impeachment Move On Shaibu
Vanguard gathered, that, last year the parties dragged themselves to court, with the final judgement still pending .
Speaking with Vanguard, Agbesi Samson, a witness and a native of the land, said “The Ibeshe Riverside people claim ownership of all the land at Ibeshe beach. They have the Oba in Ibeshe town. The Yoruba are based at the Riverside, while the Ewe people, of Ghanaian and Togolese origin, reside by the sea. The Yorubas crossed to the seaside, burned the Ewe people’s houses, and stole some of their properties yesterday and today.”
He further explained that the Yorubas have asserted ownership for many years, sold land and dictated affairs at the beach.
However, he said,“The beach people took the issue to court this year,(2024) seeking freedom with evidence that they are not foreigners.
READ ALSO: Tragedy As Edo Vigilante Punches Blind Man’s Wife To Death
“Upon receiving the court letter, the opposing party used masquerades and oro to threaten the beach residents. Today, violence escalated after the burial of an individual, leading to stabbings, house burnings, and intimidation with oro.
“The Navy and Police intervened around 11 pm last night,(Monday) causing the aggressors to flee.
“However, they resumed burning houses when the authorities left. The beach residents refrained from retaliation as they aim to gather evidence for court.”
However, identities of those that died could not be ascertained.