LAGOS LAWMAKER, HON. ABIODUN MOSHOOD ARO, RAISES ALARM AT FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OVER RISING KIDNAPPINGS IN IKORODU CONSTITUENCY II, CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // In a tense session at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro, Chairman of the House Committee on Public-Private Partnership, sounded an alarm as a matter of public importance over a spate of kidnappings plaguing the Igbe axis.

The incidents, occurring with alarming frequency, have cast a dark shadow over the safety and security of residents in the area.

Detailing the recent wave of abductions, Hon. Aro highlighted three separate incidents that have sent shockwaves through the community.

The first, on December 8, 2023, saw a husband and wife snatched from their vehicle in Afa, leaving their child stranded. Just a month prior, a similar harrowing event unfolded in the vicinity, with the victim only released upon the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

Following the most recent abduction, occurring on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Igbe Oloja, resulted in the tragic loss of two local security personnel and injuries to four Joint Task Force (JTF) members in a violent exchange of gunfire.

Identifying key challenges exacerbating the situation, Hon. Aro pointed to the expansive swampy bush, providing cover for criminals spanning over 200 meters from a canal leading to Ayetoro, Agunfoye, Ijede, and Eruwen.

Additionally, he emphasized the deteriorating state of the Bola Hameed Tinubu to Igbe road, facilitating easy movement for perpetrators.

In response to the escalating crisis, Hon. Aro tabled a series of recommendations aimed at tackling the root causes of the issue.

These include the establishment of a committee to investigate and propose actionable solutions, engaging the Ministry of Environment to clear the bush, deployment of security agencies to enhance surveillance and patrol, and empowerment of local security personnel to bolster community defense mechanisms.

Echoing Hon. Aro’s sentiments, other honorable members expressed solidarity and underscored the urgent need for intervention.

Suggestions ranged from calling on the national assembly to explore the creation of state police to strengthening the Neighborhood Safety Corps with increased financial support.

Additionally, proposals were made to establish a Security Trust Fund to bolster the capabilities of the Lagos State Police and utilize sports as a means to engage youths and divert their attention from criminal activities.

As the assembly grapples with the gravity of the situation, residents of the Igbe axis remain on edge, calling for swift and decisive action to restore peace and security to their community.

With lives at stake and the fabric of society under threat, the urgency for collaborative and comprehensive measures cannot be overstated.

In a decisive move, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa ruled, assuring that relevant stakeholders will be engaged to stop the unfortunate happenings.