Gunshots as Navy, youths clash over fuel smuggling in Lagos community

On Thursday, a furious shooting broke out between Nigerian Navy personnel and local youths in Farasime village, near the Owode Apa boundary in Badagry West, Lagos State.

The fight apparently began when navy ratings initiated an operation to catch smugglers moving Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sometimes known as petrol, across the border to Cotonou.

A person who spoke with SaharaReporters from his home where he was hiding characterised the situation as stressful and hazardous.

“The Navy came to arrest people smuggling fuel to Cotonou, but the youths resisted, and the officers started shooting,” the source said.

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The source, who claimed no involvement in smuggling, added, “Youths have lit a big fire in front of my house to block the road. I’m very scared. My house is by the roadside.”

He said the situation has caused widespread fear among residents, many of whom are unsure of their safety as the gunfire continues.