HOW ROBBERS KILL TWO SECURITY GUARDS

There was tension in the Ketu area of Lagos, after a gang of suspected robbers invaded some streets, killing two security guards. It was learnt the attackers unleashed terror on the guards, identified as Idowu Kasoro and Wasiu, while they were patrolling the neighbourhood. It was learnt that the gang spotted them, shot and hacked them to death on Allied Street. When our correspondent visited the area on Friday, there was pandemonium as people were seen

scampering for safety. It was said that some Oodua Peoples’ Congress members had mobilised themselves to avenge the killing of the guards. It was learnt that a shop owner on Adisa Street sustained injuries in the fracas.

Police teams from the Alapere and Ketu divisions were also seen patrolling the area, while most shops were shut down. A resident, Johnson Ayodele, said, “Robbery has become rampant in this neighbourhood. I was a victim two years ago. All the landlords then decided to employ some OPC members. Since they started work, we have had cause to sleep with our eyes closed.

“Two weeks ago, they caught somebody trying to enter a house. They dealt with him before he was handed over to the police. I think the killing of the security guards was in retaliation. Their corpses were evacuated by the police from the Alapere Police Division. “This morning, some OPC members went to Adenola Street where they believe those guys live. They nearly clashed, but for police intervention.”

A landlord, who did not want his name in print for fear of being hunted by the gang, said robbery attacks in the community seemed to have defied efforts, urging the police to come to their aid.

“We want the police to assist us in securing this place. Things are getting out of hand. This has never happened before,” he said.

The OPC Chairman in Ketu, Alhaji Akeem Omiata, said, “We are here to rid the community of crimes, but everybody can see how we are being paid back. We want the law to take its course. We did not cause any panic in the neighbourhood. It was those cultists on Adenola Street that were fighting their fathers for employing us as security guards.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

He said, “An arrest has been made and investigation is on. We are also making efforts to track down other culprits.”

PUNCH