Residents cries for assistance as criminals terrorize Lagos neighborhood

The 'Awawa Boys' misdeeds have outraged the landlords and inhabitants of Agbotikuyo, Oke Koto, and Fashola in the Agege neighborhood of Lagos

According to PUNCH Metro, the criminals typically assault bystanders and locals unopposed in the morning and at night.

The Lagos State Police Command pursued the criminals after PUNCH Metro exposed the miscreants' nefarious activities in November 2022.

Residents, however, residents claims that the troublemakers have since regrouped and resumed their mischief in the neighborhood.

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On Monday, some of the criminals were seen halting drivers and bystanders on Fashola Street so they could rob them of cash and other valuables.

The lads have grown more confident, according to Oluwadamilola Maxwell, a member of Agege's Adegbola Community Development Association.

The issue, according to Maxwell, is that after being detained, they are always released on bail.

He said, “In our area, these boys have become too strong for us. Police would arrest them but some people will go and bail them out.

“Last week, in front of our street, they were stopping cars and commercial motorcycles and were collecting money. When they don’t get what they need, they will use daggers and guns to rob people.

“They broke into my friend’s shop on Shofunde Street and went away with his generator last month. The next morning, he came to his shop but when he saw what they have done, he was not himself again.”

According to Kayode Ogunsola, a citizen of Bolaji Street, residents have hired Odua Peoples' Congress members to guard their side of the street against hoodlums.

“We cannot allow thieves and robbers in our area here in Agbotikuyo. It is not acceptable. We have decided in our CDA to engage OPC members to start patrolling this area. Those boys don’t fear the Army or policemen,” he said.

The miscreants operated in broad daylight last week, according to a resident of Fashola Street who did not want his identity published.

“Awawa Boys have turned Fashola Street into their headquarters. One house which has been sold but not yet renovated is where they stay on our street. If anyone comes too late at night, they will be robbed by these boys,” he said.

When contacted, Benjamin Hundeyin, the public relations officer for the Lagos State Police, said he was unaware of the circumstance.

“I am not aware of this matter but I will look into the matter and get back to you,” he promised.

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