Crime

Passenger Killed in Lagos as Transport Workers Clash Over New Motor Park

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

Passenger Killed in Lagos as Transport Workers Clash Over New Motor Park

Tension erupted in the Alaba Rago area of Iba, Lagos State, on Sunday following a violent dispute between local transport workers, commonly called agberos, and loyalists of a traditional ruler. The confrontation tragically resulted in the death of an unidentified passenger, who was fatally struck by a fast-moving vehicle during the chaos.

Eyewitnesses said the conflict was triggered by the recent opening of a new motor park, reportedly built by the monarch to serve travelers heading to Nigeria’s northern and eastern regions.

“A new park was opened by the king near the Alaba Market on Saturday. It’s meant for vehicles going to the North and East,” a resident named Shola explained. “But the agberos were unhappy with this move. Even the Commissioner of Police visited the site. There has been tension between the king and the agberos over control of the park, and that’s what led to the fight.”

Locals say the transport workers viewed the new park as a threat to their usual revenue from drivers, especially from daily levies collected at existing parks.

Violence broke out early Sunday as both groups confronted each other. Amid the scuffle, a pedestrian attempting to cross the road was hit and killed by a speeding vehicle near the contested park.

“During the fighting, a passenger trying to cross the road was knocked down and died instantly,” said a witness named Abbey.

Videos shared by residents show a crowd gathered at the scene, with some people seen covering the victim’s body with a wrapper.

In response, Lagos Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that efforts were ongoing to resolve the conflict. “The Commissioner of Police visited the area for an assessment and met with all involved parties at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday to work out a lasting solution,” he said.

This incident is the latest in a string of violent disputes involving transport unions and local enforcers in Lagos and surrounding states. Just months ago, similar clashes in the Akute and Alagbole areas of Ogun State reportedly claimed several lives.