Hoodlums Terrorize Lagos Residents in Broad Daylight Robberies

Residents of Lagos, Nigeria are living in fear as hoodlums audaciously rob and assault people in broad daylight across various parts of the city. Areas like Oshodi, Agege, Ketu, and Lagos Island have become hotspots for these violent attacks, with criminals openly harassing and robbing innocent residents of their phones, wallets, and other belongings.

On April 15, 19-year-old Peter Eze was walking in Oshodi when he was accosted by a gang of hoodlums. They slapped him and forcefully took his phone and wallet before fleeing the scene. In another incident on April 18, Ayomide Ojedele, 29, was attacked with a cutlass in Ketu and had his phone snatched by the assailants.

Ebenezer Ayinde, a resident of Agege, recounted his experience of being stopped by 'area boys' who demanded his phone. The Agege Pen Cinema Bridge area has become notorious for robberies, extortions, and harassment carried out in the open during the day.

Why this matters: The rampant criminal activities in Lagos have created a sense of insecurity among residents, who fear for their safety even when going about their daily lives. The audacious nature of these attacks highlights the need for urgent action by law enforcement and authorities to curb this menace and restore public order in the affected areas.

Biodun Stephen, a popular filmmaker, described the issue as a "pandemic" and called on the Lagos State Governor and relevant authorities to address the problem of hoodlums terrorizing and extorting residents. The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps and the police have made some efforts to tackle the issue, including arresting miscreants and preventing individuals from obstructing public spaces and extorting money from passersby. However, residents believe more needs to be done to ensure their safety and security.

As one victim, Peter Eze, stated, "I never thought I would be attacked and robbed in broad daylight on a busy street. It was a terrifying experience, and I hope the authorities will take strong action against these criminals to prevent others from going through what I did." The people of Lagos are calling for increased patrols, swift justice, and a comprehensive strategy to rid the streets of these violent hoodlums and restore a sense of safety in the city.

Key Takeaways

• Hoodlums in Lagos, Nigeria rob and assault residents in broad daylight.
• Hotspot areas include Oshodi, Agege, Ketu, and Lagos Island.
• Victims have been slapped, robbed, and attacked with weapons.
• Residents feel insecure, calling for urgent action by authorities.
• Increased patrols, swift justice, and a strategy to rid streets of hoodlums are needed.