The National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State, today shifted its battle ground to Lawanson area of the state in the clash for supremacy, which has been on among two major factions of the union.
Over 20 persons were reported to have died in the fracas.
Property worth millions of naira were also alleged to have been destroyed at the Lawason area of Surulere, with many sustaining injury.
The clash reportedly started at about 6am, when sporadic shots were heard in the area.
Police reports, however, have it that no person died in the fracas while three were arrested.
The spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Jayeioba Joseph, said the police responded swiftly and dispersed the gangs who had attacked one another with dangerous weapons and guns.
The statement by Joseph, a Superintendent of Police, said: “At about 7.00am, we received report at Lawanson Motor Park where the supporters of the former NURTW chairman, Alhaji Raul Oluhunwa, engaged themselves in a free for all; a combined team of policemen from the Area D Mushin, and Itire Division were drafted to the area.”
Joseph added that the command also mobilised policemen from the state Rapid Rapid Squad and riot policemen from PMF20 at Ikeja to confront the union members.
Joseph added: “The policemen will be on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the area. Meanwhile, three miscreants have been arrested and nobody was reported dead; The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations is on top of the situation and the suspects have been transferred to SARS Ikeja for thorough investigation.”
Joseph urged Lagosians to report suspicious persons to the police, adding: “Residents are urged to maintain peace, law and order. Normalcy has been restored to the area and people should go about their lawful business.”
Over 100 persons suspected to be NURTW members have been arrested since January following series of clashes for control of motor parks.