It was learnt that the hoodlums, numbering about operate from 10p.m.
within the community.
They are usually armed with dangerous weapons such as
guns, machetes, bottles, charms and stones.
When our correspondent visited the area yesterday, it was learnt that
the hoodlums always mobilise from Olorunshogo and NEPA bus stops before they
set out for their operation.
A resident, who did not want his name in print, said they were under the
siege of the hoodlums at Folarin Street.
According to him, the residents can no longer sleep with their eyes
closed.
He said: “The attack on Folarin Street on October 1 was a
surprise as we were still outside celebrating the Independence
Anniversary when the hoodlums, all masked, invaded the community. We all had to
run into hiding.
“Where I was hiding, I heard the hoodlums daring us to come out and challenge
them. But nobody could come out because they were armed to the teeth and they
were also chanting war songs. We want police patrol in Mushin.”
A mechanic, who identified himself simply as Mathew, also recounted his
experience.
Mathew said the hoodlums attacked him and his colleagues
and collected N20,000 from them at gunpoint.
He said: “Before the invasion of Folarin Street by the hoodlums, my
colleagues and I were about to share the proceeds we made from the day’s
business when the hoodlums arrived and collected the money from us at gunpoint.
“After collecting the money from us, they also went after those who were
returning from their various work of places and asked them to drop their phones
in a bag and collected their money. Unfortunately, they were doing it
unchallenged by security agencies.”
A physically-challenged man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said his
vandalised bus was his only source of income and appealed to the Commissioner
of Police, Imohimi Edgal, to come to their rescue.
He said: “Since my vehicle was vandalised I have been at home doing
nothing. I don’t know where to get the money to fix the broken windscreen. I
don’t know why the hoodlums are always on the rampage; government should
immediately put them under control.”
A resident, Mr. Kunle Idowu, said after the hoodlums left Folarin
Street, about 50 vehicles parked on the street were vandalised by the hoodlums.
“We also reported the incident at Itire Police Station,” he added.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP
Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the fracas was between two factions.
The PPRO said immediately the matter was reported at Itire Police
Station, policemen were sent to the area and made some arrests.
He said: “They were brought to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad office at
the command headquarters and they were charged to court.”
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