Residents of Magboro Community in Ogun State are worried about a rise in home burglaries, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
An investigation by NAN revealed that many people, especially in Happyland Estate, are concerned about suspected thieves. They believe these crimes are committed by locals rather than outsiders. The community has identified a specific house linked to these alleged criminals but feels helpless to act because it is owned by a high-ranking official in a security agency. Members of the Community Development Association (CDA) of Happyland Estate expressed their fears to NAN, highlighting the presence of unfamiliar faces in their area.
Mr. Mose Mutwang, a local resident and CDA executive, expressed that the situation has worsened considerably from December to February, leading the community to reach out to the Warewa Police Station along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“Since December, there’s been a steady rise in burglary cases. By February, we figured it was time to bring this up with the Warewa Police Station. After that, we quickly organized a CDA meeting to assess the situation. Our investigation led us to a place on Unity Street, where we found a group of unidentified young men and women hanging around.
Mutwang explained. He further characterized the establishment as an unregistered hotel, heightening concerns about its potential threat to community safety. “The property doesn’t seem to function as a typical residence. It’s an open area with little security, and the landlord is absent. “During our visit with the CDA Chairman, we realized that the environment posed a risk to the community,” he added.
Another resident, Adekunle Sogbehin, remarked on the growing number of unfamiliar individuals in the neighborhood. He also disclosed a potential human trafficking case associated with the same property. “One of the boys from that compound confided in us, revealing that he hails from Cameroon and was enticed to Nigeria with the promise of being taken to Europe.
After investing heavily in an agent, he found himself deserted in Magboro. The young man now depends on his mother for support and is clearly in a troubling situation.
Sogbehin stated. He urged the government and law enforcement to promptly investigate the matter. “We are worried. That residence allegedly accommodates around 30 individuals in a single apartment, lacking adequate sleeping arrangements.
“We suspect human trafficking or potential recruitment for online scams. The authorities must look into this and ensure the safety of these young people,” he expressed. Sogbehin highlighted the necessity of protecting both the community and the victims from criminal exploitation. “We do not wish to be seen as a community that shelters criminals.
This situation has spiraled out of control; we need outside help, he stated. Furthermore, CDA Chairman Mr. Bolade Awopetu expressed the community’s concerns and urged for government action. We are appealing to the authorities for assistance. The property on Unity Street represents a serious security risk. I visited the location, and some residents admitted they felt trapped. Since their arrival, we have noticed a rise in criminal activities. For peace to be restored, measures must be taken, he emphasized. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, advised residents to formally approach the Commissioner of Police for appropriate actions.
(NAN)
