Megacity chaos: Shots fired as soldiers clash with ‘area boys’ in Lagos

An attempt to dislodge homeless Nigerians from the Apapa area of Lagos has resulted in a violent clash, reports say.

The homeless, usually labelled “area boys,” clashed with a security team of police officers, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management (LASTMA) and soldiers.

The security team had attempted to dislodge the area boys who have been blamed for criminal activities in the area. 

The homeless, however, resisted the action and started attacking the security team with stones and bottles.
 
“To dislodge the urchins, the task team fired tear gas canisters at the raging crowd of hoodlums,” an transport worker told Daily Trust.
 
“Commercial motorcycle riders joined to resist the move and there were sporadic gunshots.”

Lagos brags about a megacity status but the state is littered with homeless youths, many of whom are paid by politicians to intimidate voters during elections.

Nigerian politicians have also been accused of contracting and arming the homeless and thugs to attack peaceful protesters.