Hoodlums burn NPA buidling, BRT buses, Sanwo-Olu’s family house in Lagos

Hoodlums on Wednesday carried out attack on on some public and private properties in Lagos.

The hoodlums were reportedly carrying out reprisal attacks over the shooting of protesters at Lekki toll gate by soldiers on Tuesday evening burnt Nigeria Poets Authority building, family house of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and GET buses belonging to the Lagos State Government.

It was gathered that the hoodlums entered the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Marina.

A member of the Lagos State Fire Service, who confirmed the incident, said they set fire to the building.

He noted that efforts were on to salvage the situation.

The firefighter explained that a statement would soon be released on the level of destruction done to the federal facility.

Also, the Hoodlums set ablaze the Bus Rapid Transit terminal at Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland, eyewitnesses said on Wednesday.

They also burnt many BRT buses, at least three residents in the area confirmed.

The eyewitnesses said there is tension in the area.

One of the residents, Okanlawon, said two persons are feared dead.

“Markets cannot open. We heard two people have died. The hoodlums are angry. We are hearing gunshots’ sounds. Nobody can go out,” he said.

Another resident, Anuoluwapo, said there were heavy gunshots at Adekunle Bus-Stop inward Third Mainland Bridge.

This was also seen in a viral video on Twittter.

The leader of the local vigilante team in the area, Agbodemu Ishola, said: “When the news of police stations being burnt spread yesterday, some of us, including NURTW team and mainland security, met with the boys and pleaded with them to ensure that Lagos Mainland is crime-free. They agreed and promised to protest peacefully.

“It was after the meeting that they heard about shootings at Lekki toll gate and they began to mobilise this morning.

“They said they are angry that their friends were shot. They asked the police to go back to their stations and drop their guns. We pleaded with them.

“They threw bottles and other weapons at us. They wanted to attack Denton Police Station but they couldn’t penetrate. The Local Government Secretariat was attacked. They damaged a school. They destroyed over 100 BRT buses. They burnt the terminal.

“They wanted to attack Adekunle Police Station but officers repelled them. That is why there were heavy gunshots. Two vigilantes have been shot. We are in the hospital.”

The mob also deacended on the family house of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Omididun Street, Lagos Island, throwing stones at the house.

Eyewitnesses told journalists that one of the youths holding a jerry can of petrol was seen soaking the house in petrol but was quickly stopped by residents for fear that the fire could spread uncontrollably.

However, the entreaties by the residents failed as the angry youths set the house ablaze.

Before the arson, the eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Around 7.45am, angry youths gathered around Sanwo-Olu’s family home on Omididun Street, Lagos Island, throwing stones and shattering glasses.”

It was learnt that policemen attached to the Adeniji Adele Police Station had raced to the scene in a bid to quell the violence, but the youths later gathered and set the house on fire.