One person was on Tuesday feared killed after suspected cultists protested in Ketu, Lagos.
The young men numbering over 50 were said to have blocked the Ketu/Mile 12 Market axis to protest the arrest of some of their members allegedly smoking Marijuana in the market.
It was alleged that the deceased whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was hit by stray bullet from policemen sent to disperse the crowd.
The rampaging youths were said to have vandalised people’s vehicles, smashing windscreens and looting properties.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that several persons sustained injuries in the melee.
According to a trader, Mohammed Garba, policemen from Ketu Division who arrived the scene opened fire which accidentally hit one of the protesters.
Garba said the victim died on the spot, adding that the youths carried the corpse and danced round the neighborhood.
“As a result of the death of their colleague, the dared the police to shoot them and became violent. The problem actually started on Monday night and continued yetetsay morning.
“It was on Monday morning that the young man was killed. The police were shooting in the air but bullet hit the victim.”
Another witness, Aisha Ahmed said: “They were out as early as 6:30am. They grounded business and other activities. Before we knew what was happening, they took over the gate and started harassing both traders and those who came to the market to buy goods.
“The leadership of the market tried to stop them from going ahead with the planned protest but they were adamant. The crowd kept increasing and they were smoking weed as well. It was the leadership of the market that invited the police.”
Another trader Chioma Nze blamed the protesters for the crisis, noting that the young men usually terrorised traders.
She said: “We are tired of the constant threat from hoodlums who only come to the market to smoke Marijuana. In fact, their activities are a threat to residents as well as traders.
“This hoodlums have been operating, smoking Marijuana and causing problems. The trouble today started with them. They attacked policemen and almost destroyed a patrol vehicle”
Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) denied anyone was killed in the clash, adding that clam had returned to the area.
Oti said the cultists got information on the movement of their arrested member from the station to court, and attempted to disrupt the process.
He said: “The group came out and blocked the road to be used by the police prosecutor. When passersby saw them, they fled for fear of a possible attack.
“Policemen from Ketu were immediately moved to the area to disperse the hooums.
“As we speak, about 15 suspects have been arrested. They have heen moved to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba for further investigation.
“No casualty was recorded throughout the operation and normalcy have also been returned to the place.”