Residents of Meiran, Lagos State, were thrown into panic on Wednesday afternoon after a violent confrontation involving suspected hoodlums reportedly escalated into an axe fight. Eyewitnesses said the clash occurred around 1:00 p.m. near the Kabowei Bus Stop.

Although no fatalities were reported, the incident caused widespread fear among residents and road users. Motorists reportedly abandoned their vehicles as the youths, some armed with axes, chased one another through the streets, bringing traffic to a standstill.

A resident, Segun, told reporters:

“The incident started close to an amala joint at Meiran Bus Stop. When I saw about five men holding axes and chasing others, I immediately abandoned my car and ran into a nearby building. Several other motorists also parked and waited until things settled.”

Another resident, Moses, suggested the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over an ice cream purchase.

“Some boys took ice cream and refused to pay. When the seller asked for his money, they threatened him. He called his friends for help, and some of the boys allegedly brought out axes, causing chaos,” Moses explained.

At the time of reporting, it was unclear if anyone sustained injuries. Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful.

The motive behind the clash remains under investigation, but the incident has heightened concerns among residents, especially given the recent spate of violent confrontations involving youths and dangerous weapons across Lagos.