Gunshots ring around Obalende as rival NURTW factions clash

Jude Egbas 11:03 - 11 February 2021

The ever-busy Obalende motor park on Lagos Island was given a face lift during the Administration of Babatunde Fashola. (KUNLE-AJAYI/Independent)

Thugs are going after each other in the busy Obalende park.

Rival groups of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have clashed in Obalende, a busy Lagos Island suburb, with gunshots heard as motorists and commuters scamper for safety.

The popular bus park has become a free-for-all for thugs going for each other's jugular, social media users on the scene have relayed.

Wahala for Nigerian wey no sabi run 😢. Avoid Obalende area for now please 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/YJyLN7Y0rv
— E-zrael Ani (@EzraelAni) February 11, 2021

Eyewitnesses say the clash commenced as early as 8am on Thursday, February 11, 2021. At the time of filing this, the place is still a rowdy mess.

Good morning, please avoid Obalende area at all cost. NURTW members are fighting each other this morning, it’s a serious fight.

May we go out & return home safely. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Ola Ξlixir (@thegreatola) February 11, 2021

Please avoid Obalende this morning!!! Cc @Gidi_Traffic pic.twitter.com/iFyjacv0Ix
— W.I OR NOTHING (@wi_visuals) February 11, 2021

Commercial buses are also being destroyed at the time of writing this.

Police officers have been pictured barricading themselves within the walls of the nearest police headquarters facility, as violence breaks around them.

Scenes from a gang war in Lagos. Notice how the Police barricaded themselves into their station & are ignoring? But they have energy for peaceful protesters.

Where are all the #DefendLagos people? Why arent you here defending Lagos? pic.twitter.com/TNUHtXbeTc
— 20.10.2020 (@I_Am_Ilemona) February 11, 2021

Pulse will update this story as soon as we have more information.