A bus conductor, Edward Egigi,18, is appealing to the Lagos State Government and the state Commissioner of Police to save him from murderers.
Egigi made this appeal following an attack on him by a notorious gang in Somolu area of Lagos State on November 24, 2012.
According to Egigi, the gang attacked him over suspicion that he gave information to the police that led to the arrest of their gang leader, one Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Small Jpron.
Sadly, Egigi’s ordeal is a reflection of the notoriety of the gang and the fate of any resident who is suspected to have opposed and exposed the gang’s criminal activities in Somolu.
The Eagle Online had reported on November 25, 2012 how the notorious Somolu gang leader was arrested after an alleged robbery at Bawahala Street in Somolu.
Following his arrest, Balogun’s gang members were said to have gone from house to house attacking residents who exposed their leader.
The gang, allegedly led by one Yesiru, attacked Egigi with matchete and other dangerous weapons.
The gang inflicted several matchete cut on his head and they dragged him to the Sabo Police Station where they told the policemen on duty that he was an armed robber.
Luckily for Egigi, his family and friends traced him to the station and they explained to the policemen how he was attacked.
He was later rushed to the hospital where he was treated.
Egigi said: “I am happy to be alive.
“I am suffering this pain because the gang thought I joined others to expose Small Jpron.
“The gang members attacked me when I went to buy fuel.
“The dragged me from the bike and beat me up mercilessly.
“They stole my money and stripped me naked.
“The gang members include Osanle, one Eyin Bouncing and others.
“They told me as they were inflicting matchete cuts on me that I was the one that exposed Small Jpron.
“After they had beaten me to their satisfaction, they dragged me to Sabo Police Station and labelled me a criminal.
“It was God that saved me.
“When I was rushed to the hospital, I was unconscious.
“I had over 20 cuts all over my body.
“I am happy to be alive but the gang members are out there and I need protection.
“I am not safe while they are still roaming free in Somolu.
“So the police and the governor should save my soul.”
Other members of the community also appealed to security operatives to smash the gang and free them from constant attacks by hoodlums and gang members.
Ngozi Braide, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, said the police are arresting the fleeing gang members and investigation is ongoing to prosecute them.