More details have emerged about the violent clash that claimed the life of a trader, Sodiq Ibrahim, in the Mandillas area of Lagos Island on Wednesday.
Information gathered on Thursday revealed that Ibrahim was allegedly stabbed to death by his colleague, Ebuka Adindu, during a dispute over the sharing of ₦8,000.
The incident briefly disrupted commercial activities in the busy Balogun Market, with shops shutting their doors before business later resumed. While rumours of ethnic tension spread on social media, the Lagos State Police Command dismissed such claims.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin explained that during the fight, Adindu, from Abia State, stabbed Ibrahim, from Kogi State, to death. Hundeyin added that Adindu also stabbed himself on the shoulder, became unconscious, and is currently under arrest while receiving medical treatment. He will face prosecution once discharged.
Investigations further revealed that both men were members of a group known as Oso Ahia, which translates loosely from Igbo as “market hustlers.” Their job is to attract customers to shops in exchange for commissions.
Trouble began after a shop owner handed them ₦8,000 to share. According to witnesses, the two argued over how to split the money, which escalated into a fight. In the process, one of them stabbed the other, leading to Ibrahim’s death.
A trader, Funmi Arewa, explained: “It was just two hustlers who usually bring customers to shop owners for commission. Both of them happened to bring the same customer, and the shop owner gave them ₦8,000 to share. That’s where the problem started. They began arguing over how to split the money, and in the middle of the fight, one of them stabbed the other. He probably didn’t mean to kill him, but sadly, the boy bled to death.”
Another trader, Moshood, confirmed this version and dismissed suggestions of tribal rivalry. He said, “The fight started and ended with the Oso Ahia boys over the sharing of the commission. Some traders have now decided that these hustlers should no longer be welcomed in the market. As you can see, there is no problem today. Everything has gone back to normal. It was money that led to the dispute.”
Trader Abiola Shittu clarified that the temporary closure of shops on Thursday morning was due to the routine sanitation exercise, not the violence. He explained, “It was the money a customer gave them that led to the fight. These boys take customers around the market, and in return, the customer tips them. The commission caused the argument, and they started stabbing themselves. Sadly, it was the Yoruba boy who died from the wound.”
Another trader, identified only as Chigozie, added that the deceased had stabbed Adindu first with a bottle before running away. “The guy immediately pursued him with a knife and did the same to him, which led to Ibrahim bleeding heavily and later dying,” he recounted.
Traders in the market noted that Wednesday’s tragedy was the first violent incident in recent years within the area.
