Nigerian Navy officers reportedly stormed Igbogbo Bayeku community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Saturday to recover stolen rifle of a naval officer who was attacked in the community.
It was gathered that the naval team stormed the area in operational vehicles and cordoned off the community thereby preventing vehicular movements.
According to PUNCH, a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the jetty at both Bayeku and Ebute was sealed off preventing passengers from boarding the boats to either Lagos island/Idumota or Victoria Island.
The resident said, “The situation is worrisome. Shops in the area couldn’t open for sales.”
Another resident identified only as Bolaji said the presence of the security men was caused by the attack on a naval officer in the area a few weeks ago. It was alleged that the officer’s rifle was taken away by the attackers.
Speaking about the incident with PUNCH, Chairman, Igbogbo Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Olusesan Daini, described what happened in the community as a state security issue.
Daini said, “What is happening in Bayeku is a state security issue. The Navy is there to do some search and the government is aware of it. They are not stopping people’s movement and they are doing the right thing to get to the root of the investigation they are making. The authorities are aware and it (the situation) is under control.”
The spokesperson for the Navy, Suleman Dahun, who confirmed the incident said, “I can confirm to you that there was an incident involving one of the naval men whose hand was cut off by members of a cult group in that area (Bayeku) after that, his weapon was taken away. So we are currently conducting an operation to recover the stolen rifle.”
He added, “It is unfortunate that that place has become notorious for criminal activities. What we are doing is in the interest of the community so that people can live there peacefully. We implore them to bear with us and cooperate with us.”