Surge in Criminal Activities Raises Security Concerns in Lagos Neighborhoods
Residents of prominent neighborhoods in Lagos – Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki – have sounded the alarm over escalating safety and security issues in their communities. Recent incidents of criminal activity have triggered growing unease among the local population.
A law firm employee became the latest victim on August 3, 2023, when a robbery transpired at St. Nicholas House on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island. The targeted individual was returning from a nearby new generation bank when the incident occurred. In a separate occurrence just a week prior, on July 30, 2023, a troubling incident unfolded along Osborne Road in Ikoyi. Under the cover of night at around 10 PM, three armed assailants forcibly seized a Navy blue Lexus R330 jeep from its driver and owner.
On the morning of July 29, 2023, a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number MUS 468 RD met a similar fate in Lekki Phase 1. In this incident, four armed men commandeered the vehicle along Admiralty Way around 4 AM.
Tragedy struck again on July 27, 2023, with a fatal shooting taking place on Akin Adesola Street, near FCMB Bank and close to Eko Hotel. The result was the loss of an adult male’s life.
The series of disturbing events has generated heightened concern among local residents, particularly those in Lekki. Adding to the growing sense of unease, a reported incident occurred on August 4, 2023, further intensifying worries.
A resident shared a harrowing personal experience involving a compound intrusion. According to the account, four unidentified men entered the premises under the guise of making a delivery. The resident recounted how the robbers, armed with a rifle, deceived and physically assaulted the security guard. They quickly bypassed the car’s security systems and absconded with valuable car components, leaving within a matter of minutes.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the public relations officer of the Lagos State Police Command, was contacted for comment. In response to an inquiry from BusinessDay, Hundeyin expressed an inability to confirm the reported cases or any related arrests.
“I have received your communication, but I am unable to verify the occurrences you mentioned. Furthermore, I cannot provide confirmation of any apprehensions in connection with these incidents,” Hundeyin stated in correspondence regarding the matter.
