LAGOS—At least, two persons were feared dead and six others injured during a fight, weekend, in Ajah area of Lagos between street urchins, known as area boys and water vendors, other-wise known as meruwa, over refusal to pay levies imposed by the former.
Report said the water suppliers, who have been going about their lawful business for years, were recently subjected to pay a fine of N100 per day by the area boys, who threatened to stop their activities if they failed to comply.
But the water suppliers' adamant action as gathered, led to their being harassed and molested, until Saturday, when one of them engaged an area boy in a fight at Ajah, who had attempted to prevent him from supplying water.
Report said it resulted in a free-for-all as dangerous weapons and charms were freely used.
Policemen from Ajah reportedly contained the situation which, however, took a more violent dimension, yesterday, as shop owners around the area hurriedly close for the day when it became obvious that hoodlums had hijacked the situation.
Contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, said five persons had been arrested in connection with the crisis, adding that normalcy had been restored by the Police.