One feared dead, others missing, as traders clash in Lagos’ Balogun Market

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Balogun Market on Lagos Island was thrown into chaos on Tuesday after a violent clash between Yoruba and Igbo traders reportedly left one person dead and several others missing.

The crisis began when two young market runners got into a heated argument. Witnesses said one of them, a Yoruba youth, attacked his rival, an Igbo trader, with a broken bottle. The victim allegedly overpowered him, seized the weapon, and fatally stabbed the Yoruba youth.

The killing sparked immediate reprisal as groups of Yoruba youths stormed the market in retaliation, chasing Igbo traders and attacking people indiscriminately. Panic spread quickly, with many shops forced to shut down.

A trader who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “As I speak to you now, many of our Igbo brothers are missing. The entire market is not safe. Yoruba boys have taken over, and we fear for our lives.”

Police sources confirmed that the Igbo suspect who stabbed the deceased was arrested and taken to Lion Building Police Command for interrogation. Security agents also moved into the area to prevent further escalation.

Despite the intervention, tension remained high around Balogun and adjoining streets, with some traders staying away from their shops out of fear of renewed violence.

Reacting to the incident, Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured residents that security had been restored. In a post on X, he said:

“Balogun, Martins, Oluwole, Breadfruit, and other surrounding areas are calm. The police are fully on ground, with the DPOs of Lion Building, Adeniji, and the Police Post, supported by the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC). Some shops remain closed, while others have reopened, with community leaders also on ground.”