Victor Ayeni explores the prevalent violent assaults on Lagos residents by criminals who rob, extort, and harass innocent people across different parts of the state.
On the evening of August 17, 2016, Peter Eze experienced a terrifying incident on the bustling streets of Oshodi in Lagos State when he was attacked by hoodlums, leading to the robbery of his belongings. Eze, a 19-year-old graduate from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, was on his way to visit his uncle in Ladipo after leaving his parent’s home in Mushin. He was listening to music on his Infinix phone when the attack occurred shortly after he alighted from a bus at Oshodi. The thugs ambushed him, assaulted him, and stole his phone and wallet.
Reflecting on the incident, Eze shared with NewsNow that the attack might have been avoided if he had crossed to the other side of the road where more people were present. He recounted how the assailants cornered him, berated him for not responding to their calls, and proceeded to physically assault him while robbing him in broad daylight, with passersby choosing not to intervene.
Describing Oshodi as an area notorious for nighttime robberies, Eze highlighted the underbridge section as a hotbed for criminal activities.
Incidents in Ketu
Ayomide Ojedele, a resident near Mile 12, faced a similar ordeal on March 16, 2024, when he was attacked by thugs while returning home from watching a football match in Agiliti, Ketu. The attackers demanded his phone, leading to a struggle during which Ojedele was struck in the head with a cutlass, resulting in injuries. He managed to secure his banking details before the assailants fled with his phone.
Another resident of Mile 12, Ebenezer Ayinde, recounted an attack he faced near the overhead bridge in Ketu. Despite being harassed by two individuals demanding his phone, Ayinde fortunately evaded a robbery attempt, albeit sustaining injuries.
Concerns raised by a Filmmaker
Biodun Stephen, a prominent filmmaker, raised alarm over the rampant extortions and assaults carried out by criminals in various parts of Lagos. She likened the situation to a “pandemic” that authorities, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, needed to urgently address. Areas such as Oshodi, Agege, and Lagos Island were singled out as unsafe zones where innocent citizens risked being robbed and extorted by armed individuals.
Stephen cited cases where victims were forced to pay hefty sums to retrieve their stolen phones, emphasizing the brazenness of the criminals in demanding ransom for the return of the devices. She recounted specific incidents involving individuals being surrounded and threatened in broad daylight, underscoring the apathy of onlookers towards intervening or seeking help for the victims.
She urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take decisive action to curb the escalating criminal activities before they became more widespread.
To address the problem at its core, the film director emphasized the audacity of the boys, carrying out stabbings in broad daylight, exploiting victims, extorting money, and making threats. He warned that the safety of individuals, even in their vehicles, is now at risk, with incidents of harassment even at car windows becoming a common occurrence.
Following the viral spread of the video, numerous social media users recounted their encounters with troublemakers in Agege, particularly around the overhead bridge which residents have labeled as an unsafe area due to the presence of hoodlums.
The Agege Pen Cinema Bridge, completed in September 2020 and officially opened by Governor Sanwo-Olu in February 2021, has become a hotspot for criminal activities, with reports of robberies, extortions, and harassment happening openly in daytime, establishing it as a perilous location for citizens.
Detailed observation by NewsNow highlighted several concerning aspects of the bridge, including an abandoned rail line occupied by vendors and hawkers, as well as staircases frequently utilized by pedestrians. This spot has garnered a notorious reputation as the ‘axis of evil,’ witnessing criminal activities like robberies and harassments being committed without hesitation.
In a troubling account on Instagram, a user named Shayez disclosed the precautions advised to individuals when passing through Agege underbridge, warning of the dire consequences that could ensue if not followed. Similarly, another user, Obafemi Adeleye, echoed the dangers of the location, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of females to attacks from these street urchins.
Sharing a personal ordeal, a Lagos resident narrated an incident where he and his friend were confronted by a hoodlum in Agege who demanded money under threat of violence. The harrowing encounter involved verbal threats and brandishing of a knife, highlighting the brazenness and violence exhibited by these individuals.
Further accounts from various individuals on social media platforms depicted the relentless harassment and extortion tactics employed by miscreants at different locations in Lagos, such as Bariga, Orile, Somolu, Obalende, Ojo, and Mile 2. Reports indicated that these ‘red zones’ were characterized by recurring incidents of intimidation and exploitation by these perpetrators.
Expressing concern for the safety of residents, testimonies from eyewitnesses and victims underscored the urgent need for intervention and security measures in these troubled areas across the state. The prevalence of criminal activities, ranging from physical assaults to robberies, has instilled fear and insecurity among citizens, warranting immediate attention from authorities to curb the menace.The episode of thugs harassing women while crossing the bridge has sparked outrage among concerned citizens. A video circulated by Guardian Nigeria depicted a woman being blocked from accessing the bridge unless she paid a levy demanded by a thug. This incident drew attention to the extortion faced by pedestrians carrying loads, while others passed freely without hindrance.
In response to the video, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps swiftly apprehended the culprits and presented them in court. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab provided updates on the legal proceedings, informing the public through social media platforms.
Furthermore, a significant number of miscreants were arrested during an operation at various pedestrian bridges in Lagos. This enforcement action aimed to prevent individuals from obstructing public spaces and extorting money from passersby.
On a related note, the police carried out raids on criminal hideouts, leading to the arrest of over 300 suspects involved in phone theft incidents. The Lagos State Police Command vowed to intensify security measures and combat criminal activities within the metropolis.
Experts attribute the rise in hooliganism to factors such as unemployment and political influence. Opeoluwa Taiwo from Bridge Africa Initiative emphasized the need for skill development programs to engage youths positively and curb criminal behavior.
Sociologist Adekunle Kukehin highlighted the role of hunger and political dynamics in exacerbating the situation. Despite these challenges, he commended the recent efforts by law enforcement agencies to address the issue.
Addressing concerns about hooliganism, Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso clarified that the state government does not tolerate unlawful behavior or violence. He emphasized the importance of reporting illegal activities to the authorities for appropriate action.
In conclusion, initiatives like vocational training centers and community programs are vital in reformation and empowerment efforts. These endeavors aim to redirect the energies of at-risk individuals towards productive endeavors and discourage disruptive behavior in the community.