Lagos: Residents lament as hoodlums invade community
By Sodiq Adelakun
Landlords and residents of Oke, Alhaji Idowu, Ajani Akingbogun, Bensther and Lambe Streets in Akowonjo, Lagos State, have cried out over incessant attacks by hoodlums dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables in the community.
It was gathered that the hoodlums had been taking advantage of dark corners in different streets to unleash terror on victims going to and returning from work in the early and late hours.
Narrating her ordeal in the hands of the hoodlums, a victim, Omolade Olayemi, said she was on her way home when the hoodlums dispossessed her of her phone and money on Bensther Street.
She said, “I was on my way home on February 2 when about six guys surrounded me at about 11.34pm on Bensther Street. They showed me a gun and asked for my bag. One of them even asked me if my ATM card was with me but luckily for me, it was at home.
“I lost my Samsung phone and N15,000 to the robbers. They even threatened to use their knife to mark my face if I did not hand over my bag to them. Since then, I don’t leave for my shop as early so that I would not fall into their hands again.”
Another victim, Kareem Akinola, said he closed late from his shop and was on his way home when he saw robbers dispossessing a man of his property.
He said, “This issue of robbers on our street is becoming something else. Some weeks ago, I saw them collecting a man’s bag and I ran back to Animashahun bus stop which is usually busy and told some people and the OPC men who were around went there. But before they reached, the robbers had gone.”
The secretary, Omituntun Community Development Association, Ismail Asumo, described the issue as a major concern for the community, adding that several reports had been made to the police.
He said, “We members of the CDA are worried over this matter of robbery and in fact, we have made reports to security agents. They have been around to see for themselves too and they patrol this area. The Omituntun CDA has also engaged more security men to walk around at night and report any suspicious movements.”
Contacted, the state Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, warned criminals to desist from their nefarious activities, noting that anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Lagos Police Command has zero tolerance for crime and anyone caught committing any crime would face the full wrath of the law. Victims of crime should endeavour to report to the nearest police station for investigation,” he said.
