Residents of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I on Sunday raised the alarm over rising hoodlum attacks across several communities in the area.

 They spoke at a news conference titled, : Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I Under Hoodlum Attack,’ highlighting growing insecurity in the constituency.

 Affected areas include Owoseni, Inasa, Eyin-Ogun, Orile-Oshodi, Branco, Aiyetoro Compound, Ilesanmi and surrounding communities.

Speaking for the residents, Chairman, Mr Babatunde Faleye, called for urgent intervention by the Federal and Lagos State governments and security agencies.

Mr Faleye said armed groups had, in recent weeks, unleashed violence, leaving dozens injured and property destroyed.

He said vehicles were damaged, shops vandalised and valuables looted during the attacks.

According to him, residents now live in fear and uncertainty, with daily activities severely disrupted.

Mr Faleye, “The open display and use of hard drugs are very disturbing.The use of canal waterways, uncompleted buildings and village-style compounds as criminal hideouts has further emboldened these groups.

 “This dangerous environment for law-abiding citizens complicates efforts to restore peace and undermines community trust.”

Mr Faleye alleged that the hoodlums’ activities were becoming more organised and brazen.

“We, as a matter of extreme urgency, call on the federal and the Lagos State governments and relevant security agencies to intervene immediately.

“A coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence and vigilantes is needed to dismantle these criminal networks.

 “Such an operation should secure the waterways and eradicate drug peddling in our communities,” he said.

He urged community leaders to publicly denounce any support for criminal elements.

He stated, “We also urge community leaders to work together to build a safe and thriving Oshodi for all residents. Eyewitnesses and victims are invited to share firsthand accounts of these assaults at this meeting.

 “Their testimonies will help present a clear picture of the destruction and identify patterns to aid law enforcement investigations.”

Mr Faleye appealed to affected individuals to provide useful information.

He said their cooperation was crucial to holding perpetrators accountable and restoring normalcy.

The chairman added that preliminary investigations pointed to a disturbing network of stakeholders and elders allegedly linked to the crisis.

He, however, urged security agencies to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the allegations.

Mr Faleye expressed hope that swift government intervention would restore peace and security in the constituency.

Also speaking, a community elder, Musbau Salako, urged parents to instil good morals in their children to make society safer.

Also, acommunity leader, Adeyemi Murtala, said efforts by stakeholders to curb hoodlum activities had not yielded results.

Mr Murtala said leaders of various Community Development Associations had met relevant authorities, but the situation was worsening.

“The government has the machinery to check this situation. We are calling for help and begging our representatives to act. It is sad that despite security bases in Oshodi-Isolo, we cannot sleep with both eyes closed.

“If the police cannot stem this, there is nothing wrong in seeking military support to combat these criminals,” he said.

A sound engineer Joshua Adedapo, injured in a recent attack, urged authorities to end hoodlum activities in the constituency.

Another resident, Babatunde Omowunmi, whose compound was invaded during a street clash, said hoodlums broke into shops and homes, destroying property.

“We ran for our lives while they freely destroyed our property. I am a tenant who came to Lagos to work. I am tired of the hoodlums,” she said.

Also, Sekinat Olafimihan, popularly known as Mummy Eri, said hoodlums broke into her shop and destroyed goods, including crates and packs of soft drinks.

“They have ruined me. I have nothing left. The latest attack happened on Friday,” Mrs Olafimihan said. 

(NAN)