By Esther Onyegbula

Residents of Oke Eletu community, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos, have appealed to security agencies and the Lagos State Government to strengthen security in the area following alleged attacks and threats by suspected cult members.

The residents, under the Mercyland (Jabe) Community Development Association (CDA), made the appeal after a recent incident in which a suspected member of a cult group was apprehended by community members.

According to the residents, the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, August 4, after some individuals were allegedly seen moving suspiciously within a building under construction on Albert Street.

A resident, Mr Jones Ojo, urged security agencies to intervene promptly, saying the community was increasingly concerned about its safety.

“Security is necessary and we cannot overlook it.

“Recently, a landlord was attacked and killed, valuables were reportedly taken away, women were allegedly assaulted and properties damaged. We are also concerned about reported threats of another attack,” Ojo said.

He added that the community had previously enjoyed relative peace before the recent incidents.

Another landlord, Mr Adejumo Kabir, said some residents had begun relocating following the death of Mr Abdul Azeez Tope Olaoye, who he said was killed by armed men.

Kabir alleged that some properties under construction had also been vandalised after the incident, expressing concern over the safety of residents and property owners.

He said although the police had been visiting the community, residents were still worried about recurring incidents.

“Recently, a suspect was apprehended while two others escaped, abandoning vandalised windows outside a construction site.

“The arrest was made by members of the community after a passerby noticed suspicious movement inside a building under construction on Albert Street on Tuesday morning.

“On sighting the passerby, the suspects attempted to flee. The passerby raised an alarm, which attracted community members who pursued them and apprehended one suspect, while the other two escaped,” Kabir said.

He appealed for increased security presence in the community, saying residents were becoming increasingly apprehensive.

“We are not happy over the current situation. We are not feeling safe anymore, as one can no longer sleep peacefully,” he said.

A landlord, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the situation was also affecting property owners who depended on rental income.

“After 36 years in service as a civil servant, I expected to retire and have peace in my community.

“Some of us built houses for rent to augment our incomes, but if tenants start relocating en masse, what will be our fate?” he asked.

The landlord said the community had some local security arrangements but needed greater support from formal security agencies.

“We have our local security, but we are seeking the intervention of security agencies in our community because we cannot do it alone.

“We appeal to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police to help prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents,” he said.