By Lukman Olabiyi
The residents and indigenous people of Okegun Odofin community in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have tasked the police on diligent prosecution of suspects arrested over invasion of the community.
The community head, Chief Shamsideen Ogunloya, made the plea on behalf of the community in a statement.
Ogunloya stated that the plea became necessary following the information reaching the community, that the case file of the incident in their community had been transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja. He charged all the police personnel involved in the investigation of the crime not to compromise.
On August 3, 2023, it was reported that some suspected bandits, numbering more than 100, invaded the community at about 2pm, all holding dangerous and offensive weapons, dislodged all the people living in the community, and consequently took over the community.
Following the development, the community head, on behalf of the residents, wrote a petition to the state commissioner of police, which led to the arrest of some suspects.
Chief Ogunloya expressed hope that the transfer of the case file would ensure that the investigation could proceed effectively without any hindrance, ultimately leading to a more thorough and diligent prosecution. He held it was important for the police to prioritise a thorough investigation, while also considering community concerns. He urged those who had been forced to leave the community to return home.