By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
In spite of myths surrounding ‘spiritual powers’ around masquerades in Lagos and other southwest states, a truck has been confirmed to have crushed one.
Two other persons, a driver, and his motor boy, were also crushed and confirmed dead during the auto crash, which could have resulted in clashes among some residents but for the intervention of policemen from Area D Command in Lagos.
The tragedy that claimed the lives of the masquerade and the two others was said to have occurred along the Isolo Road around 2:30pm.
It was learnt that the truck, which was loaded with plywood, crushed the driver, as well as his motor-boy and masquerade, while on a display around the market axis on Isolo Road.
Following the tragedy, the angry traditionalists gathered and attempted to lynch the driver, setting the truck ablaze to express their anger over the development.
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The driver of the ill-fated truck reportedly fled to the nearby Area D Command, while the mob stormed the police station to demand that he should be handed over to them for jungle justice.
The request was, however, turned down by the police and it resulted in chaos at the station, as vehicles were making detours from the area with the expressway blocked by the traditionalists.
With the crowd was becoming unruly and riotous, the police fired teargas cannisters to disperse the crowd, causing protesters and other road users to scamper to safety.
The sound of the teargas and effect on their eyes forced many residents to run, covering their nostrils and mouths with their hands to further minimise the effect of the teargas.
The Lagos State Police Command spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident but added that the situation had been brought under control.
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