Residents of Mile 12 and its environs have appealed to the Lagos State Government to provide streetlights in and around the area to enhance safety and security.

The residents spoke with reporters on Wednesday in Lagos.

They complained that the lack of street lights contributed to the increase in crime rates in the area.

A businessman, Olamide Lekan, said that many businesses had recorded losses due to criminal activities in the area.

According to him, most shops in the area are looted by criminals at night due to a lack of security lights.

He said, “On several occasions when fights break out among rivalry groups, shops are forced to close down for days, usually an opportunity for criminals to loot. We are begging the state government to please help in this area with street lights. With the streetlights, everyone can see clearly what is happening or what anyone is doing.’’

Also, a trader, Aminat Hammed, said that having the streets lit would stop criminals from using the area as a hideout.

She disclosed that no measures for tackling insecurity in the area would work without providing streetlights.

She said, “We need the light because these bad boys use the area as a hideout. Sometimes, at night, we don’t really know what happens; we will just see people running up and down, and before you know it, gunshots and bottles everywhere. We are begging the governor to help us with street lights; we want to be able to see clearly what is happening around us.’’

A bank worker, Adeoti Bada, said that the streetlights would be of great help, especially after the close of work at night.

She said, “Sometimes, going home can be a bit scary; we have to pass some places where we know that these criminals hide. If you even use your phone torch, you might get your phone snatched. So, we call on the government to kindly help us out with streetlights, if not in all the streets, but in the major places.’’

Responding to the concerns raised by the residents, a community leader in Fadare Town, Mile 12, Fatai Owoyelu, said efforts were being made to address the challenges of security and economic development in the area.

He said, “We have been having meetings with the council chairman and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve security in our jurisdiction. We are working to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and we are also providing support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.’’

He disclosed that efforts were ongoing to engage a private security outfit to address insecurity in the area.

He said, “We won’t relent in tackling insecurity in the area; we will keep doing more and our best.’’

He urged the residents to ensure they report any suspicious person or movement. 

(NAN)