Suspected hoodlums alleged to have been hired by land-grabbers invaded Gberigbe community in Ikorodu, Lagos state, on Saturday, killing three persons. 

A policeman on duty was among the three people killed.

“They killed two ‘Omo Oniles’ and one of the four policemen on duty here.

“In a bid to take over some people’s land, some land-grabbers led hoodlums suspected to be cultists to invade our community.

“The hoodlum shot sporadically and eventually a policeman and two people lost their lives. Since then, people have started living in fear.

“I am calling on the police IG and CP of Lagos State to help restore peace and save our community from the hands of hoodlums and land-grabbers,” a community leader in Gberigbe, Olaiwola Akanmu, said. 

According to Mr Akanmu, who is also the secretary of Orelade/Ladera Royal Family in Gberigbe, the matter has been reported to the police to bring the situation under control, but residents still live in fear of reprisal attack.

Also speaking on the incident, another community leader, Olugbenga Mayan, urged the state government to urgently intervene by addressing the problem of land-grabbers in the state.

“We are calling on government and security agencies to assist us. Commercial activities have been grounded. Residents no longer sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

A resident of the community, Monsuru Adeniji, said that the incident was having untold hardship on the residents as transporters were afraid of bringing passengers or plying the route due to fear of attack.

When contacted, spokesman for the Lagos state police command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said, “I will contact you as soon as I’m briefed on the matter.”