Residents of Abesan Estate in Mosan-Okunola LCDA of Lagos State have cried out for help over the incessant robbery and burglary incidents in the community.
Majority of the residents, it was gathered, have lost properties and other valuable items to the robbers and burglars terrorizing the communities.
Some of the residents including car owners and neighbouring communities who have fallen victims have lost various properties, and had their vehicles vandalised in the process among several other personal losses.
5th Avenue CDA Chairman, Mr. Kunle Adesanya said the car park within Sector 17 was invaded by the burglars twice in two weeks, with several vehicles vandalized and various parts removed.
The premises of Lagos State Fire Service within the Estate, located between Sectors 8 & 11 Irepodun LCDA was forcefully broken into early November and 2 vehicles parked were vandalized.
“The robbers always come around 2:00 am and 3:00 am when residents are fast asleep. The last time they came, they threatened to shoot anybody who interfered in their activities. We were so helpless and nobody dared to raise any alarm over fear of being attacked.
“About five Toyota Corolla vehicles and two Toyota Matrix were totally vandalized with their brain boxes and other vital parts stolen,” he added.
According to him, other sectors too have been consistently visited by these robbers, and their major aim is to vandalize vehicles, especially Toyota Corolla and Matrix.
Also, a resident in Sector 10 simply identified as Mama Craig on 3rd avenue, Greenland CDA had her flat burgled in the day time, when she was not around recently by some unidentified hoodlums
One of the leaders in the Estate, Mr. Sina Dare told this reporter that robbery activities in the estate have gone beyond control.
He said his Sector had fallen victim twice to these robbers. “Some of us had suffered a lot. They invaded my sector twice and vandalized vehicles parked in a secured car park within the sector.
“The security guards we employed were powerless since the robbers always came in fully armed. Reports have been made severely at Ipaja Police Station (Alagolo) which controls the estate but it has not deterred the thieves because they have intensified their robbery activities.
Also speaking, President of the Abesan Estate Resident Association (AERA) Engr M.A.O. Kehinde, said the residents could hardly sleep with their two eyes closed over the development, which he said has gone beyond control.
“Here in the estate, there is no time burglars and robbers can’t operate because of the various access. The community’s efforts in tackling the situation have not been successful. We need more police presence especially at night,” with frequent patrol during the day he noted.
