By: Idris Olukoya
Residents of Mushin and its surrounding areas have appealed to the Lagos State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and restore peace amid recurring clashes between the Mushin and Idi-Araba communities.
The appeal was made during a press conference held in Mushin on Monday, where concerned residents voiced their fears and frustrations over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Mr Abayomi Yusuf, a resident of Mushin, lamented the frequent outbreak of violence, which has disrupted businesses and endangered lives.
“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Shops are being looted, youths are being attacked, and there’s a growing sense of fear everywhere,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Khadijat Lawal, a trader and resident of Ilasa, stated that the unrest had taken a toll on market activities and children’s education.
“Parents are afraid to send their children to school. Every day, we fear what will happen next. We need urgent help from the government,” she pleaded.
Also, Mr Tijani Alisu, a resident of Idi-Araba, emphasized the need for increased police presence.
“Security in this area is poor. The hoodlums take advantage of this to cause mayhem.
“We are pleading with the Commissioner of Police to deploy more officers and patrol teams,” he stated.
Mr Kazeem Aregbe, from Idi-Oro, stressed the importance of engaging the youths meaningfully.
“If the government can invest in skills acquisition centres and youth development programmes, many of these crises can be prevented,” he said.
A victim of the recent clash, Mr Oladipupo George, narrated his ordeal.
“I fell a victim of Nigeria police invading my house during their raiding operations.
“They hit me with stick on my leg and hit my grown up boy with stick on his ankle too. It was a terrifying experience.
“Myself and my boy sustained serious injury we are still nursing still date while we also spent hours at Police net, ” he said.
Community leaders at the press conference called for dialogue between the warring groups, urging the state government to initiate peacebuilding mechanisms and conflict resolution sessions.
They also appealed for the establishment of a community-policing model to proactively address rising tensions and improve trust between security agencies and residents.
Residents are hopeful that the government will rise to the occasion and prevent further loss of lives and property.
The residents commended the efforts of Commissioner Nkechi Uzoegwu, the founder of Yeti Youth Empowerment Foundation for her selfless efforts in ensuring peace, sanity and progress in Mushin community.
They also applauded her financial support, moral and swift intervention in matters that concerns Mushin and its community.
