Lagos: Deadly Clash Between Diesel Hawkers and ‘Show Boys’ Claims One Life

A violent altercation rocked Mile 2 on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos yesterday, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries as diesel hawkers clashed with a group known as ‘Show Boys’.

Conflicting narratives emerged regarding the cause of the confrontation. One account suggests it stemmed from a disagreement over the sale of adulterated petrol, while another alleges it was sparked by disputes over inflated prices of petroleum products by diesel hawkers.

Eyewitnesses recounted a customer accusing a roadside hawker of selling oil instead of diesel, leading to a heated argument escalating into a physical altercation involving dangerous objects.

One witness, identified only as Sheu, cited exorbitant pricing as the catalyst, stating, “They sold petrol for N3,500 and N4,500 for five litres to people who are hustlers too… It was the argument over the price that caused the fight.”

Another observer, Shamsudeen, described a brutal clash between the hawkers and Show Boys, resulting in product destruction and casualties, though the exact number of fatalities remained unconfirmed.

While initial reports suggested one casualty, eyewitnesses claimed the toll could be higher, with some asserting more than three lives lost.

The melee prompted a temporary commercial standstill, as bus drivers avoided the area to evade being caught in the crossfire.

Order was eventually restored by law enforcement officers from Area ‘H’ Command Festac, though attempts to apprehend suspects were met with resistance from some claiming non-involvement in the altercation.