By Erewunmi Peace

Panic erupted at Balogun Market on Lagos Island on Wednesday following a violent clash that left at least three people dead and several others injured.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the fatalities, including a police inspector who is in critical condition. According to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident was not an ethnic clash, contrary to initial reports suggesting Yoruba and Igbo traders were involved.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the violence started over a personal dispute involving traders and escalated when other individuals intervened,” Hundeyin stated.

Eyewitnesses had earlier claimed the fight began between two traders and quickly spread, causing widespread panic as shops closed and traders fled for safety. Viral videos from the scene showed men wielding machetes and clubs as security operatives struggled to restore order.

Police have arrested a suspect linked to the incident and recovered dangerous weapons from the scene. The command assured that normalcy has been restored and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other culprits.

Hundeyin urged the public to disregard rumors of an ethnic conflict and avoid spreading unverified information.