Panic As Naval Officers Combs Lagos Community For Attacked Officer’s Stolen Rifle

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The many residents of Igbogbo Bayeku community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Saturday complained of heavy presence of naval officials in the community.

Some of the residents alleged that the naval team stormed the area in operational vehicles and cordoned off the community thereby preventing vehicular movements.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation caused untold hardship, adding that the jetty at both Bayeku and Ebute was sealed off preventing passengers from boarding the boats to either Lagos island/Idumota or Victoria Island.

The resident said, “The situation is worrisome. Shops in the area couldn’t open for sales.”

Another resident identified only as Bolaji said the presence of the security men was caused by the attack on a naval officer in the area a few weeks ago. It was alleged that the officer’s rifle was taken away by the attackers.

A resident who gave her name as Bimbo Adebiyi explained that he woke up to the drama of the naval men in the community.

Speaking about the incident Chairman, Igbogbo Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Olusesan Daini, described what happened in the community as a state security issue.

Daini said, “What is happening in Bayeku is a state security issue. The Navy is there to do some search and the government is aware of it. They are not stopping people’s movement and they are doing the right thing to get to the root of the investigation they are making. The authorities are aware and it (the situation) is under control.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Navy, Suleman Dahun, confirmed the incident, stating that the operation was to recover the stolen rifle of a naval officer in the community.

Dahun said, “I can confirm to you that there was an incident involving one of the naval men whose hand was cut off by members of a cult group in that area (Bayeku) after that, his weapon was taken away. So we are currently conducting an operation to recover the stolen rifle.”

He assured members of the community that the exercise was in the best interest of the community and not to harass them.

He said, “It is unfortunate that that place has become notorious for criminal activities. What we are doing is in the interest of the community so that people can live there peacefully. We implore them to bear with us and cooperate with us.”

Sunday Punch