The Iyana School and Iba communities within Lagos State are grappling with a surge in armed robberies, causing widespread fear and anxiety among residents and students. These criminal operations are characterized by coordinated attacks involving large groups of robbers utilizing various vehicles, including Volkswagen buses, tricycles, motorcycles, and other means of transportation. This mobility allows them to swiftly target unsuspecting individuals and disappear into the sprawling urban landscape. The attacks, often occurring in the evenings and at night, leave victims traumatized and dispossessed of their valuables, creating an atmosphere of insecurity in the area.
Residents have shared harrowing accounts of their encounters with these armed gangs. Owolabi Oriyomi fell victim to one such attack while boarding a bus, losing his iPhone 11 at gunpoint. This exemplifies the robbers’ brazen tactics, targeting even those using public transportation. Another resident, Abdulateef Kareem, narrowly escaped a similar fate while meeting a client in his car. A seemingly minor collision with a tricycle escalated into a terrifying ordeal as armed men emerged, attempting to rob him. His quick thinking and the protective measures he had taken in his car, such as tinted windows and central locking, allowed him to escape, albeit with a shattered windscreen. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of residents and the audacity of the criminals operating with near impunity.
The frequent nature of these robberies has generated significant concern among students of the Lagos State University, many of whom reside in the affected areas. A representative of the students’ union, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, confirmed the widespread fear and anxiety gripping the student population. Numerous complaints have been lodged with the local police station, but residents claim a lack of effective action has further fueled their sense of vulnerability. This perceived inaction by law enforcement has created a climate of distrust and a sense that authorities are failing to address the escalating crime wave.
The lack of a visible police response and the ongoing robberies contribute to a growing sense of lawlessness. The absence of tangible results from the reported cases further exacerbates public frustration and fuels the perception that the authorities are either overwhelmed or indifferent to the plight of the residents. This lack of accountability creates a breeding ground for further criminal activity and undermines public trust in the ability of law enforcement to protect them.
The methods employed by these robbers demonstrate a level of organization and planning. The use of various vehicles allows them to quickly approach their targets, execute the robbery, and escape before law enforcement can respond. The strategic targeting of individuals in vulnerable situations, such as those waiting for transportation or parked in their cars, further indicates a deliberate and calculated approach to their criminal activities. The prevalence of these robberies suggests a network of individuals working in concert, raising concerns about a potentially larger criminal enterprise operating within the community.
The silence from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, when contacted for comment further underscores the lack of communication and transparency surrounding the issue. The failure to respond to inquiries contributes to the growing perception of inaction and raises serious questions about the commitment of law enforcement to addressing the security concerns of the community. This silence only serves to amplify the anxieties of residents and students who are left feeling vulnerable and unprotected in the face of escalating crime. The lack of a clear and decisive response from the authorities creates a vacuum of information and exacerbates the sense of fear and uncertainty within the community.
The ongoing robberies at Iyana School and Iba paint a grim picture of a community under siege. The frequency of the attacks, the brazen nature of the robbers, and the apparent lack of effective law enforcement response have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Residents and students live in constant apprehension, unsure when they might become the next victim. The continued silence from the police only deepens this sense of vulnerability and erodes public trust in their ability to maintain order and protect the community. The situation demands immediate and decisive action from law enforcement to restore safety and security to these beleaguered communities. Without a demonstrable commitment to tackling this crime wave, the fear and insecurity gripping Iyana School and Iba will only intensify, further jeopardizing the well-being of its residents and students.
