Hoodlums invade Alaba market, loot shops

Business activities in Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos were on Tuesday disrupted by marauding gangs of youths, who attacked the electronic section of the market and carted away goods worth millions of Naira. Over 159 mobile phones were stolen from seven shops at St Peter’s Bus stop by the hoodlums, who scared the traders away with dangerous weapons and looted their wares.

One of the traders in the market, who gave his name as Onyema, said two rival groups of street boys were tugged in a duel over the control of the market. A particular group, identified as the ‘Baale Boys’ reportedly launched a reprisal attack on another group operating at the electronics section, following a previous attack on their members.

It was gathered that Tuesday’s attack heightened tension in the market, as the hoodlums threw broken bottles, clubs and dangerous weapons at various directions. Not even the presence of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), marked RRS, which was permanently stationed in the market, could prevent them from taking the law into their hands.

The Chairman, Task Force, Phone Dealers Association in the market, Mr Ebere Nwafor, confirmed the attack on his members. He said 159 pieces of mobile phones were stolen from seven phone dealers. Some of the victims, he said, include: Mr Leo Ibekwe, Queen Etolobi, Mr Agozie, Mr Aku, among others.

NAN