A portion of the Ilepo Market in Lagos State’s Oke Odo district was engulfed in flames after a dispute between traders and hooligans over gambling winnings erupted.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Daily Trust, the incident began on Wednesday evening and intensified on Thursday. The police are present at the scene to restore order.

“One of the market traders played lotto (bet Naija) and won N13,000, but he was only given N11,000. The N2,000 difference sparked a fight,” said Aminu Muhammad Sa’id, a trader who spoke to our correspondent.

“Hooligans from a nearby market took advantage of the situation to loot and burn property in the market. They ransacked stores, stole food items, and other valuables.”

“As we speak, we are unable to enter the market. However, police are present and attempting to quell the unrest. I can hear the sound of tear gas being deployed. We have lost millions of naira in the market,” Sa’id added. CONTINUE READING