Fear spread rapidly across parts of Lagos yesterday after a sudden outbreak of violence forced residents and commuters to run for safety.
The chaos, which involved suspected hoodlums wielding axes, briefly turned a busy neighbourhood into a scene of panic and confusion.
The disturbance disrupted daily activities and brought traffic to a halt, as people scrambled to escape what many described as a life-threatening situation.
Several eyewitnesses said the confrontation unfolded without warning, leaving residents stunned.
The incident occurred in Meiran, along a major transit corridor, where groups of young men were seen chasing one another with dangerous weapons.
As the clash intensified, motorists reportedly abandoned their vehicles on the road to avoid being caught in the violence.
A resident, who identified himself as Segun, said the sight of armed youths left him with no option but to flee.
“Once I noticed they were carrying axes, I knew staying in my car was too risky,” he said.
“I ran into the nearest building and waited until everywhere became calm.”
He added that many drivers made similar decisions, choosing safety over their vehicles. “Nobody wanted to be a victim.
“We all just wanted to survive that moment,” he said.
Another eyewitness, Moses, linked the violence to a disagreement that spiralled out of control. According to him, a confrontation between some youths and a roadside ice cream seller triggered the unrest.
“What started as a simple argument suddenly turned violent,” he said. “Before we knew it, weapons were involved and people were running.”
Although no deaths were reported, the incident created widespread anxiety, with residents expressing concern over the growing frequency of youth-related violence in Lagos communities.
As of press time, it remained unclear whether anyone sustained injuries during the clash.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the police spokesperson were not returned.
Meanwhile, residents have called for increased security presence in the area, warning that such incidents, if left unchecked, could escalate into more deadly encounters in the future.