The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit over the weekend arrested 26 dreaded Awawa cult members in Agege and 64 miscreants at Oshodi.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, disclosed that the 26 dreaded Awawa cult members were arrested during an overnight enforcement operation, tagged: “Operation Restore Sanity to Lagos,” carried out around Isale-oja, Funmilayo, Ile-pako at Amoo, Orile by Canal, Papa-Ashafa, Dopemu and Old Oko Oba, all in Agege area.
The Chairman disclosed further that criminal activities perpetuated by these various cult groups, particularly the dreaded Awawa cult, has become a serious threat to lives of residents and innocent members of the public around the area.
Egbeyemi stated that it was an eyesore seeing these miscreants and cultists robbing, raping and freely smoking Indian hemp with underaged boys and girls during day time and at night.
Egbeyemi said another 64 miscreants and hoodlums were arrested during the overnight raid around Oshodi.
The Chairman said dangerous weapons and substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the 64 miscreants, which included three female teenagers.
These miscreants and hoodlums were those attacking/breaking motorists windscreen and disturbing innocent members of the public by dispossessing them of their valuables such as phones, wallets and jewelleries around Oshodi.
Egbeyemi said: “It is disheartening that most parents have abdicated their responsibility towards their children as youths are now found to be deeply involved in gangsterism.
“Honestly, most of the violent crimes committed across the State were perpetrated by youths who lack parental care and joined cultism to avoid being intimidated by their peers.”
He said that “Operation Restore Sanity to Lagos” would be a continuous exercise and extended to every other areas known to be inhabited by these undesirable elements across the State.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, has directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecution.
In a related development, the Agency dislodged more than 1,500 illegal traders and impounded 96 motorcycles for plying restricted routes around Igando.
They were dislodged by the Agency to pave the way for free flow of traffic as there were serious complaints by residents and motorists about the newly constructed roads being taken over by activities of these illegal traders.
Egbeyemi said: “Strategically, this unusual and very risky trading practice has led to the death of some traders, especially those who were not quick enough to depart the scene of reckless drivers.”
Egbeyemi maintained that in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws, it was completely unlawful for anyone to hawk, buy or sell goods on railway tracks, road setbacks, walkways and drainage alignment across the State.
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