Lagos community unveils efforts to tackle kidnapping, robbery

Residents of Abesan Estate in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have launched a N500m fundraising campaign to address the insecurity plaguing their community.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a security summit organised by the community on Thursday that a series of incidents, including kidnapping, “one-chance” robbery, theft, burglary, and drug peddling, had been recorded in recent times.

Speaking at the summit, the President of the Abesan Estate Residents’ Association, Michael Kehinde, lamented the increasing kidnapping activities and home invasions in the estate.

He noted that some residents had lost personal property, such as money, mobile phones, and laptops, and had even sustained injuries from gunshot attacks.
He said, “The estate has experienced rising criminal activities, including kidnappings, robberies, and home invasions. Residents have faced incidents of theft, violent ‘one-chance’ robberies, kidnappings, and break-ins.

“One Engineer Kennedy, a resident of Sector 12, was on his way to work when he boarded a Lagos State-painted vehicle at the American Junction. Instead of reaching his destination, he and fellow passengers were driven to the Gowon Estate, near Dominion Cathedral, where they were robbed, beaten, and tortured.

“Similarly, a resident of Sector 29, Block 599, boarded a Lagos State commercial bus at the Akinyele Bus Stop. He and others were taken to Agege, where they were robbed of money, phones, and laptops. They were then beaten with iron rods, leaving some with permanent injuries and trauma.”
He added that his wife was also robbed by the unidentified gunmen of her belongings in the area, while two young women lost job opportunities after being attacked on their way to an interview.

Kehinde explained that the urgency of the situation had prompted residents to resort to fundraising to tackle the menace.

“We urgently need a lasting solution to these issues. We are calling for N500 million in support for security infrastructure and reforms so we can restore peace and safety to Abesan Estate.”
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Abesan Development Group, Bisola Ogunyanwo, noted that the security situation had worsened to the point where vehicles were stolen from the premises of the fire service station located in the community.

He attributed the security breakdown to the influx of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers operating illegally in the area.

Ogunyanwo said, “Borehole pumps are removed in broad daylight, flats are broken into, generators are stolen, cars are vandalised or stolen, and all sorts of damage are done. The Lagos State Fire Service fence was broken into, and two vehicles within their premises were vandalised. The estate is becoming more dangerous due to the lack of security and its porousness.

“The level of drug use, peddling, and related immoral activities is alarming. ‘One-chance’ vehicles operate around the estate at any time of the day. There is no monitoring system, and everyone does whatever they want. It’s like a no man’s land.
“Motorcycles, tricycles, minibuses, and Danfo buses operate illegally and drive on one-way roads without any caution. The main entrance to the estate is always congested and resembles a marketplace—the old Oshodi before Governor Fashola was even better than our gate.”

In response to residents’ claims, the Secretary to the Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area, Ayo Orimolade, said in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday that the LCDA would collaborate with the residents to address the issue.

He added that the LCDA had provided stipends to security operatives in the area to support their operations.

“We have all agreed to collaborate, and with this synergy, we will work together to nip the problem in the bud. The security of our people is our concern, and we can assure you that as we continue this synergy, we will resolve the challenges in no time.

“We have ensured that all nooks and crannies are monitored, which is why we have a pact with security operatives, offering small stipends to facilitate mobility. This has helped us reach all corners of the LCDA,” Orimolade said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, as he had yet to reply to messages sent to his phone as of the time of filing this report.