Several residents of Itamarun village in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State endured injuries of varying degrees when a group of hoodlums invaded the community, ordering residents to vacate.
Reports indicate that the hoodlums targeted several women in the community, while youths who dared to question them were met with violence, resulting in injuries.
The attack has instilled fear and panic in the community, forcing many to either seek refuge whenever the hoodlums appeared or consider fleeing the area.
The incident, which occurred last Monday, saw numerous women allegedly harassed and molested by the hoodlums, who are believed to be associated with land grabbing activities.
Those injured during the attack received treatment at Akodo General Hospital.
The traditional ruler of the town, Bale Sulaiman Nojim, expressed distress in a Save Our Soul message, describing the threats posed by the notorious land grabbers and their thugs as a harrowing experience for the community. He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and rescue them from the grip of these hoodlums.
Bale Sulaiman Nojim alleged that the attack was carried out in collaboration with certain police officers from Alagbon, accusing the leader of the gang of making their lives unbearable and showing no signs of relenting.
According to the traditional ruler, the hoodlums arrived at the community around 3 pm on Monday in seven vehicles, armed with dangerous weapons such as guns, axes, cutlasses, and broken bottles. The situation escalated into what felt like a war, with residents being intimidated and assaulted.
He emphasized that the village had no land dispute with anyone and expressed shock at the brazenness of the hoodlums in their attempt to force residents off their land.
The traditional ruler pleaded with the state government to intervene urgently before the situation escalates into further violence.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Akodo police station, Yahaya Adeola, and his team visited the scene and assured residents that the perpetrators would face justice.
Efforts to reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Yahaya Adeola, for further comment were directed to the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command for clarification.