A swarm of bees caused panic on Lagos Island on Sunday after it settled on a commercial bus, temporarily disrupting traffic and frightening passengers and bystanders.
The incident occurred in one of the busiest commercial areas of Lagos, which is home to markets, offices, banks, and transport hubs. Witnesses said the bees suddenly appeared and covered parts of the bus, prompting people to run away for safety.
An eyewitness, who declined to be named, said, “It happened so fast. The bees were everywhere. People were screaming and running.”
Lagos Island is one of the oldest and busiest commercial hubs in Nigeria, with heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Such incidents, though rare, can create panic and disrupt daily activities in these areas.
Social media users quickly shared videos and photos of the incident, sparking widespread reactions. Many were shocked, with some joking about the bees “taking over public transport” while others warned about the dangers of bee attacks.
On X, one user wrote, “Only in Lagos! Bees taking a bus hostage in the middle of the city. God help us all.” Another commented, “Passengers were lucky no one got stung. Lagos Island traffic is already stressful, now add bees!”
Environmental experts also explained that urbanisation and construction may disrupt natural bee habitats, forcing swarms to settle temporarily in unusual locations, such as vehicles, buildings, or streets.
“The bees were likely moving in search of a new home,” said an entomologist. “They are not usually aggressive during swarming, but people should avoid approaching them.”
Officials have urged residents to remain calm and allow trained personnel to handle such situations. They advise people not to provoke swarms and to keep away from vehicles or structures occupied by bees.
The incident highlights the need for public awareness about urban wildlife and the importance of reporting unusual sightings to relevant authorities. It also serves as a reminder that even in bustling city centres, encounters with nature can happen unexpectedly.
