After killings, Ikola residents send SOS to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu over alleged cult activities

Residents of Ikola in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and security authorities to urgently strengthen security in the community following recent violence and concerns over alleged cult-related activities.

The residents said they were increasingly concerned about their safety, alleging that suspected cult activities and other forms of insecurity had created fear among residents and traders.

Some residents who spoke to journalists said they were worried about alleged harassment, extortion and violent incidents in parts of the community.

A security personnel familiar with developments in the area alleged that a welding workshop located near Wazobia Market was sometimes used as a meeting point by individuals suspected by residents to be involved in cult-related activities.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also alleged that tensions involving suspected rival groups had contributed to insecurity in the area.

However, the allegations could not be independently verified.

A landlady, who requested anonymity, said residents had previously raised concerns with security authorities over alleged criminal activities in the community.

She claimed that some residents were reluctant to speak publicly about the situation because of concerns about possible reprisals.

The woman also expressed concern over what she described as occasional sounds resembling gunshots in the area, saying such incidents often created panic among residents.

“People are afraid even during the day. You hear sounds and everybody becomes worried about what is happening and who may be the next victim,” she said.

Another resident, who identified himself as Chris, said the recent violence in Ikola should be thoroughly investigated to determine the various factors that may have contributed to the crisis.

He alleged that some residents had previously complained about individuals who reportedly stopped motorists, tricycle operators and commercial motorcyclists and demanded money from them.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Another resident, Idowu, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to deploy additional security personnel to the community.

He said residents had been deeply affected by the recent violence and urged the authorities to take preventive measures to avert further loss of lives.

“We are tired and afraid. People cannot live normally anymore. Something needs to be done before more people are killed,” he said.

Another resident appealed to the Federal Government and Lagos State Government to urgently intervene and improve security in the area.

“We are tired,” the resident said.

A further resident, who also requested anonymity, alleged that some individuals had been taking advantage of residents and motorists by demanding money from them.

According to the resident, motorists whose vehicles break down in some parts of the area are sometimes approached by individuals demanding money before offering assistance.

The resident said such alleged activities should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

Other residents also alleged that some individuals sometimes enter shops and demand goods or money from traders and commercial transport operators.

The allegations could not be independently verified.

The residents stressed that their concerns went beyond isolated incidents, saying they wanted the authorities to investigate reports of criminal activity and provide adequate security for residents and businesses.

They appealed to the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations, identify those responsible for any criminal activities and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.