Police arrested 105 suspects on Friday after the deadly clash in the Mile 12 market, according to Lagos State police spokesperson Dolapo Badmus.
While local media outlets initially reported between 7 and 10 deaths, Ms. Badmus stated that the death toll was 3.
The uproar began on Wednesday when a woman was knocked down by a motorcyclist taxi driver, who then refused to bring her to a hospital. According to the police, the victim later died. Market goers soon began to attack other motorcyclists, which escalated into a riot.
The motorcyclists and vendors are predominantly Hausa, while the Mile 12 area is mostly populated by Yoruba, according to reports.
In response to the incident, the Lagos State government closed the market and met with stakeholders from the market and members of the Agiliti and Maidan communities in order to resolve the violence and bring stability to the area.
Mr. Tunji Bello, the Secretary to the State Government, led the meeting at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa and expressed the need for peaceful cohabitation among people from different religions, cultures, and tribes.
The meeting was attended by various leaders of the community, including traditional rulers from Agiliti and Maidan, transport union leaders, motorcyclists, and representatives from community development associations. According to Mr. Bello, leaders left the meeting agreeing that they would urge members of their community to keep peace in the area.
Assistant Commissioner of Police I.O. Edgal was also present at the meeting and assured the audience that the Police High Command has secured the Agiliti area.
