Street urchins, popularly known as Area boys, and security operatives at Apapa in Lagos State are currently engaging each other in a gun duel.
The joint security team is made up of Policemen, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management (LASTMA) and soldiers.
Eyewitnesses said the joint security team arrived Tin-Can’s first gate axis of the Mile 2-Apapa expressway to dislodge miscreants allegedly responsible for criminal activities in the area.
It was learnt that the urchins resisted the action, leading to a fracas between the parties.
It was gathered that the urchins started pelting the security team with stones and bottles.
“To dislodge the urchins, the task team fired tear gas at the raging crowd of hoodlums.
“Commercial motorcycle riders joined to resist the move and there were sporadic gunshots,” one of the riders laments