Unrest as touts in Mile 12, Ketu and Ojota attack commuters, creating chaos over naira notes scarcity

Fighting erupted in some areas on the popular Lagos-Ikorodu expressway in Lagos State over the scarcity of the new naira notes and the hardship the policy has thrown Nigerians.

On Friday morning, multiple online reports gathered suggests that suspected touts in Mile 12, Ketu and Ojota areas on the expressway, took to the road attacking commuters and creating chaos.

A driver, attached to one of the cab-hailing firms operating in the state who does not want his name in print over fears of harassment, said he had to turn into one of the streets due to the chaos.

Tweeps, who shared details of the ongoing fighting in the area, alleged they could hear sounds of gunshots.

Unrest at Mile 12, Ojota as multiple gunshots heard.

There has been unrest in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State on Friday morning, with gunshots heard. pic.twitter.com/HjqDNhjedr

— NewsWireNGR (@NewsWireNGR) February 17, 2023

Unrest at at Mile 12 down to Ojota over New notes scarcity pic.twitter.com/nsGISKewRS

— GoldMyneTV (@GoldmyneTV) February 17, 2023

UPDATE: Mile 12, Ikorodu Road is now calm and normalcy restored. Security Agencies are on ground to maintain peace and also protect lives and properties. https://t.co/xKZ9u61uhC pic.twitter.com/zUZ7jlybd1

— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) February 17, 2023

Aside Ojota and Mile 12, Riot also on going at Agege, avoid these areas for now pic.twitter.com/r7o5qthEZv

— JayNaija ?? (@Jaynaija) February 17, 2023

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed the unrest happening in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State.

He made this known via his Twitter handle on Friday.

Responding to a tweet asking the PPRO to confirm the rumour, Hundeyin replied, “ It is true. Our men are there. Reinforcement units have been deployed. Stay safe out there as we closely monitor and manage the situation.”