On Saturday in Ilesha, Osun State, individuals claiming to be victims have reported being threatened with death by officials of the Lagos State task force. According to the victims, they were forcibly relocated from the Marina area in Lagos and abandoned in a forest. This controversial incident has sparked concerns over the methods employed by the Lagos State government in their crackdown on what they describe as miscreants.
The state government's operation under the bridge at Dolphin Estate, where makeshift apartments were discovered, led to multiple arrests, stated Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. Omotoso highlighted that the operation was part of efforts to address the security risks posed by the influx of beggars and destitute persons into Lagos.
According to officials, of the 450 individuals detained, 371 requested assistance to return to their states of origin due to hardships in Lagos, and 79 were taken into rehabilitation facilities due to health concerns. However, the narrative from the victims presents a starkly different reality. They described a harrowing journey, packed into buses and dumped in a remote forest, where they were threatened with violence.
Miracle Chukwu, one of the alleged victims, recounted his ordeal, stating he was apprehended while returning from his job selling phone accessories. He claimed that, without any opportunity to speak or gather his belongings, he was beaten, robbed, and forced into transportation along with about 500 others, including people with disabilities and various traders. Chukwu narrated how they were abandoned in the forest with threats of being shot if they did not comply.
Another individual, Arius Awodeji, shared that he was misled into believing they were being taken to Ikeja to meet the governor, only to find himself abandoned in a forest in the dead of night. Similarly, Peter Ocheja, arrested on his way to work, expressed his fear and compliance due to the violent threats received.
These distressing reports have prompted a response from Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who after being informed of the situation, contacted his counterpart in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Sanwo-Olu denied any knowledge of the action and assured that an investigation would be launched. In the meantime, Governor Adeleke has ordered increased surveillance in the Ilesa area to monitor the situation and ensure the safety and rights of those affected.
The incident has raised serious questions about the conduct and policies of the task force operations in Lagos State, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations under the guise of urban security and sanitation efforts. As investigations proceed, many await clarity and justice for the individuals whose rights may have been infringed upon in this unsettling episode.
0 Comments