Lagos Residents Take to the Streets: Protesting Recurring Killings and Kidnappings

The residents of Igbe Alagemo within the Igbogbo Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu have sounded an alert regarding alleged abductions and murders occurring in their neighborhood.

It came to light during a "Save Our Soul" demonstration carried out on Tuesday at both the council secretariat and the ruler's residence within the town.

During the protest, the locals alternated speaking turns to express their sorrow over the event being repetitive, which had transformed both their social interactions and financial situations.

One protester named Bidemi Egbetemi mentioned that she moved to the location in January and was thinking about relocating because of the circumstances in the neighborhood.

She stated, "In January, I arrived at Igbe Alagemo. Currently, our town is gripped by fear and distress. Residents are departing from the area, and I am contemplating leaving as well if things continue this way."

I urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to examine our situation and rescue us from the clutches of the kidnappers who have made our neighborhood their refuge.

A local resident named Isiaka Abiola mentioned that kidnapping incidents have surged since December 2024, noting that within just four months, the area has documented more than seven abduction cases.

"The kidnappers typically arrive at night, moving through the Creek. We urge the Lagos State government to clean up the Creek for us and deploy Navy or marine personnel like they did in Majidun, where forces have been posted. This should help decrease kidnapping incidents, allowing us to live peacefully," he stated.

Obafemi Onikoro, the chairperson of the community, stated that the protest was unavoidable since numerous residents from Igbe Alagemo have abandoned their residences due to these events.

Onikoro also mentioned that the local leaders have undertaken community-based monitoring to tackle the increasing wave of insecurity; however, these efforts did not lead to any significant improvements.

The kidnappers have seized control of the Igbe-Alagemo community. In just four months, we've documented seven incidents. These criminals frequently abduct people from our community for ransom, which often runs into millions. Tragically, three of our members were murdered during these events. Several victims are present here today. Numerous landlords among us are abandoning their homes out of fear, and nobody dares to get a full night’s rest anymore. The safety concerns mean that children cannot attend school, and local businesses are suffering as well.

We urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene on our behalf. We require protection and visible governmental support. The Igbe-Alagemo community in Ikorodu has turned into a hotspot for abductions, leaving residents vulnerable once more. It is imperative that the governor assist us in tackling this crisis with utmost urgency.

The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Local Council Development Area, Sesan Daini, expressed his concern over the ongoing incidents of killings and abductions in the region. He also mentioned that the Lagos State government is taking all necessary measures to address this issue.

He encouraged the demonstrators to work together with the authorities to tackle the problem, emphasizing that ensuring citizen safety was the duty of the government.

We are worried about the circumstances in the Alagemo community. The administration is exerting every effort to control this issue. Currently, the Joint Security Task Force (JTF) is actively engaged at the local level to address the increasing incidents of instability within the council area. I would like to confirm that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has full oversight over this matter.

"I plan to connect with several community members and discuss how we can collaborate to tackle this issue," he said additionally.

Representatives of Igbogbo town’s traditional leader, Tajudeen Alade, encouraged community members to increase their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of their area.

Alade emphasized that the matter of security ought to be addressed collaboratively with the government.

On behalf of Kabiesi, the Oba of Igbogbo Kingdom, we express our gratitude for your efforts. Through this peaceful demonstration, you have demonstrated both bravery and composure in tackling the matter at hand. We will be submitting the report to the governor; however, we also urge each one of you to stay composed.

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