Residents Raise Alarm Over Rising Hoodlum Attacks in Oshodi-Isolo

Residents of Oshodi, Mafoluku, Shogunle and Ewu-Titun under Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 have raised concerns over what they described as a disturbing surge in hoodlum attacks across their communities.

The alarm was raised during a press conference held at Wahab Larinde Primary School, Mafoluku, Lagos State, on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of Oshodi, Mafoluku Shogunle & Ewu-Titun (OMSE), Engr. Babatunde Faleye, said armed groups have in recent weeks unleashed violence on several streets, including Owoseni, Inasa, Eyin-Ogun, Orile-Oshodi, Branco, Ayetoro Compound, Ilesomi, Ijaye and other adjoining areas.

According to him, “Over the past weeks, the attacks have left dozens of residents injured, vehicles damaged, shops vandalised and properties destroyed.

“The community’s sense of safety has been shattered, and daily activities are now marked by fear and uncertainty.

“Eyewitnesses and victims have been invited to share their first-hand accounts of the incidents at this community meeting to help establish the scale of destruction and assist law enforcement agencies in identifying patterns that could aid investigations.”

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The chairman further alleged that preliminary findings point to the involvement of certain local stakeholders and elders who may be providing support and resources to the criminal elements.

He described the open display and use of hard drugs within the area.

Faleye added that “the use of canal waterways, uncompleted buildings and existing village compound-style structures as hideouts by the hoodlums has further emboldened these groups and complicated efforts to restore peace.”

To tackle these security threats, the Chairman has called on the relevant security agencies to urgently intervene and curb the growing insecurity.

“We, as a matter of extreme urgency, call on the Federal and Lagos State Governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to intervene immediately.
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“A coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence Corps and local vigilante groups is also needed to dismantle the criminal networks, secure waterways, and tackle drug-related activities in the area,” he appealed.

Engr. Faleye further urged community leaders to openly denounce any form of support for hoodlums and collaborate in efforts to restore safety and stability across Oshodi and its environs.

Giving their various testimonies, residents of the affected communities expressed deep displeasure over the growing insecurity in their neighbourhoods.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Adeyemi Monitola said they had made several efforts to inform relevant authorities in order to address the malicious acts occurring in their communities, but nothing has been done so far.

“We believe the government has all the necessary machinery to protect the masses; therefore, we call on the federal and state governments and lawmakers representing us, as well as other relevant authorities, to urgently address these life-threatening issues in our communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Joshua Adedakpo disclosed that he sustained an injury during one of the attacks. He said one of his hands was severely affected, leaving him unable to work.

“Since the incident, I have not been able to work again, and I hardly sleep at night because of the pain and fear,” he lamented.

A female resident, Mrs Babatunde Omowunmi, also recounted her experience, alleging that the hoodlums forcefully barged into their homes alongside some boys and scattered their drums and other belongings while wielding cutlasses.

The residents reiterated their call for immediate intervention to restore peace and security in the community.