Panic broke out at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos Island on Wednesday, after a violent clash reportedly left at least two people dead.

Videos circulating on social media showed disturbing scenes from the incident.

According to reports, a man, apparently attacked with a machete, was seen lying motionless on the ground.

Another video seen online captured the suspected assailant, stripped naked and reportedly lynched by an angry mob.

The cause of the unrest has not been clearly established.

While some eyewitnesses suggest the violence was the result of a cult-related confrontation, others alleged it stemmed from an inter-tribal dispute between Yoruba and Igbo traders.

In the aftermath, shops were hurriedly closed as traders and passersby scrambled for safety.

Security operatives were yet to release an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is currently attending the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference taking place in South Africa, a strategic forum that is strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational crime and enhancing global law enforcement synergy.

The high-level conference is brought together more than 200 Police Chiefs and security leaders from 56 countries, including senior law enforcement officials and security experts from across the region and beyond.

In a statement with the ‎Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/499 Date: August 27, 2025, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer force Headquarters, said that IGP Egbetokun is actively participating in discussions on contemporary security challenges, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and practical strategies for cross-border policing.

Furthermore, the IGP is scheduled to deliver an address on “Cattle Theft in West Africa: A Conduit for Terrorism and CBRNE Threats,”where he will be underscoring the nexus between transnational organized crime, terrorism financing, and emerging chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats within the sub-region.

On the sidelines of the conference, the IGP will be holding bilateral meetings with the INTERPOL President, Major General Naser Alraisi, and the INTERPOL Secretary General, Mr. Valdecy Urquiza.

These discussions are focusing on consolidating operational partnerships, deepening intelligence exchange, strengthening mutual legal assistance, and reinforcing Nigeria’s strong commitment to regional and global security cooperation.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its resolve to remain an active and reliable partner in international law enforcement efforts while continuing to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians at home and abroad.

•Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin

The Lagos State Police Command said it would carry out an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) simulation exercise around the Eko Atlantic City area on Thursday, August 28.

The exercise, to be conducted by the Explosives Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, is part of efforts to enhance the Command’s preparedness for bomb-related emergencies.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said that the drill will involve controlled detonations managed by specialized officers.

He emphasised that while residents and visitors may hear loud blast sounds during the exercise, there will be no danger to lives or property.

“Residents, workers, and visitors in and around Eko Atlantic City are advised to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without panic when they hear the sounds,” the statement read.