The prevailing cult clashes and armed robbery cases across many parts of Lagos metropolis have continued to leave many in fear. From Surulere to Apapa, Iyana-Iba, Ikotun and many other parts of Lagos, the story is the same.
Recently, a yet-to-be-identified gang of suspected armed robbers sent a threat notice to a community in Ikorodu.
In the notice pasted in Dejuwogno community, Oke-ota Ona, Ikorodu, the suspected robbers threatened to attack the community on December 24, 25, and 26, 2020 and demanded maximum cooperation from the residents.
“Team 13. Dejuwogbo CDA. Expect us 24, 25 and 26 December, 2020. Maximum cooperation or head would roll,” the notice said.
The threat notice has forced some landlords and tenants to flee their homes, while those who have no alternative place to go have continued to live in fear day and night.
“We are living in fear on a daily basis ever since we got the notice. We have reported the case to the Igbogbo Police Station, they assured us the area has been put on surveillance and that their men are already on ground,” said a resident who preferred to be identified as Ola.
“For those of us who don’t have alternative place to go, we don’t want to be caught unawares. As a result, some men and youths in the community are now on daily night and day watch. We hope with the help of the police presence the area will be secure,” Ola said.
Muyiwa Adejobi, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, said the state police command was aware of the threat notice pasted in Dejuwogbo and the security situation within Ikorodu environs.
“We got the information. The Commissioner of Police has swung into action. He has mobilised more police personnel to Ikorodu to increase their (police) strength. He has also instructed the area commander in Ikorodu on steps to take. He will also address a security forum on the happenings in Ikorodu. So, we are prepared to suppress any crimes and criminality in the state,” Adejobi said.
In Ikotun community, a recent cult clash which claimed some lives and disrupted business activities has left residents in the area in constant fear for their safety.
According to reports, a baker known as Seyi and three others were killed on Thursday, December 3, after an incident broke out at Governor’s Road in Ikotun. The incident was said to have started about 10am, disrupting business operations and the peace of the community.
Residents said the fight started when members of two rival cult groups clashed in the area. Though the cause of the fight was not immediately known, it was learnt that a member of a cult gang who operates as a commercial motorcyclist in the area was killed on Wednesday, December 2. It was said that the motorcyclist was dragged down from his motorcycle and shot dead by members of another gang. The following day, his alleged cult members stormed the area and attacked the rival group, killing three persons in the process.
The ensuing violence led to loss of property as thugs and hoodlums took advantage of the situation to steal and loot many shops in the area.
A shop owner in the area who operates a Point of Sale (POS) outlet, said her POS machine was stolen alongside a huge amount of money.
“My second shop was looted, they collected my POS machine and stole my N50,000,” said the POS operator who identified herself as Peace.
Another woman who owns a mini boutique in the area said businesses were put on hold for fear of being attacked.
The woman, who gave her name as Raji, said, “I could not open my shop for three days for fear of being robbed.”
Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, who confirmed the incident, said one person was killed and three others arrested.
“The DPO and his men have been on ground. It was a cult clash and the situation has been brought under control. We have been arresting suspects,” he said.
