4th September, 2022
There was a gun-battle between land grabbers and the Lagos State Taskforce at the weekend at Ibeju-Lekki area of the State as five armed suspects were arrested.
The taskforce had carried out an intense operation dislodging a notorious land grabbing syndicate known for causing mayhem and disrupting developmental activities and construction in Ibeju-Lekki axis of the State.
Speaking on the arrests made and operation which was carried out over the weekend, The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye disclosed that the crime syndicate which comprises of men and women had been known for terrorising legitimate property owners and occupants within Sango-Tedo, Lakowe, Abijo, and the entire environs of Ibeju Lekki.
He further disclosed that the “Omo-Onile” as they are popularly called, had received series of appeals and warnings from the State Government to desist from carrying out their inhumane acts but it fell on deaf ears as they continued causing chaos within that axis, thus the need to round them all up.
“Residents and victims of these land grabbers have laid series of complaints to the taskforce which made us carry out our own investigation leading to warnings being issued to them.
“It is quite unfortunate that they feel untouchable and daring but with this actions carried out by us they will learn to obey the laws of the State. There is no room for land grabbers in Lagos” Jejeloye stated.
Jejeloye added that his officers encountered some resistance from the the land grabbers during the operation as some of the members of the syndicate shot at them sporadically in order to dissuade them from carrying on but that it was no match for the determination of the officers of the Agency who were all out to correct the wrongs being perpetrated by the land grabbers.
“It was quite appalling that even women were among the individuals arrested and we found guns, charms and harmful weapons which they used to intimidate their victims. They will be made to face the full wrath of the law and we will ensure that anyone found engaging in such a nefarious practice anywhere in the State is arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The Chairman of the Agency urged Lagosians to resist the urge to to pay these land grabbers any form of money for properties which were legitimately purchased and report any incidents or activities by the grabbers to the Lagos State Taskforce.