By Akinwale Kasali

The spate of insecurity has become a source of terrible worry  for residents of Baruwa, Candos Road, Fatade, Oluwaga, 2 Storey, and nearby communities within Ipaja-Ayobo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State.

Residents lament that the surge in insecurity in the aforementioned area, coupled with constant break-ins and looting of shops remains unabated, leading to a Save Our Soul Appeal, SOS, to the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government to wade in.

Residents in the area are embittered that the insecurity bedeviling the area has left many hardworking business owners devastated and counting heavy losses.

They complained that on several occasions they had reported the growing case of insecurity, house burgling and armed robbery incidents to the Police, but sadly, the criminal activities remain unchecked.

Isaac Obasi, a journalist with Pen Pusher News Medium stated that the areas have been notorious for insecurity and robbery, and the Police feel unbothered on the ordeal of residents who have had close shave with death in the hands of the criminals tormenting the area.

“I had made several reports and complains at the Police Station off Oluwaga Busstop, there has been no changes, unfortunately, instead of abating, the situation appears to be worsening.

“Several residents who reached out to me after my earlier report revealed that churches in the Fatade area have also been repeatedly robbed, with valuable sound systems and musical instruments worth millions of naira carted away.

“Shops around the same axis have not been spared either.

“On Monday night, community elders in 2 Storey narrated yet another chilling incident. Criminals broke into a shop after forcefully damaging the locks. Their operation was cut short only when someone raised an alarm, forcing them to flee in a Toyota Sienna vehicle they brought to loot the shop.

“This morning, residents of 2 Storey woke up to a tragic sight, the lifeless body of a young man lying on the road, this is sad and disheartening. We urge and appeal to the Lagos State Government to wade into the issue of insecurity in this area”, Obasi stated.

An eyewitness account said that there was a sporadic gunshot in the midnight, alleging that it was what led to death of the person.

Another source stated that the victim, dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt, was allegedly using his phone when armed men on a motorcycle shot him dead at close range.

The Police later evacuated the body of the death.

Abiodun Mc Carthy, a resident lamented that the Police Station in the area is not proactive, leading to wanton losses of properties and valuables to the armed robbers.

He appealed to the Governor Sanwo-Olu Government to, as a matter of urgency, address the issue before it further escalates into a major crisis.

In an effort to seek solutions, last Friday, I personally met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ipaja-Ayobo Police Division. I introduced myself as a Journalist, Human Rights Activist, and Community Leader, and briefed her on the wave of attacks. Shockingly, she only acknowledged a single reported case which is that of a gas dealer whose shop was burgled. I had to stress that the crisis is far broader, with multiple shops and churches being attacked almost nightly. While the DPO admitted the police are also facing serious challenges, she assured that steps would be taken to address the menace.

With the continuous influx of new residents into our communities, the urgency for improved security cannot be overstated. Sadly, what is happening in Baruwa, Fatade, and Ayobo is only a reflection of the larger picture insecurity is on the rise across Nigeria, from the East to the North, and from the South to the Southwest.

Now is the time for both government authorities and community members to take decisive and coordinated action to safeguard lives and property before more damage is done.