Residents of Morekete Estate in the Igbogbo-Baiyeku axis of Ikorodu, Lagos State, are calling on the government and security agencies to urgently address a growing wave of robberies and burglaries that has left many in fear for their safety.
The community, located near Agunfoye Junction and behind Bulbanik Filling Station, borders an uncompleted Federal Government housing estate that residents say has become a haven for suspected criminals. Many of the unoccupied buildings, they allege, serve as hideouts for gangs who launch nightly attacks on nearby homes.
For weeks, residents have reported repeated break-ins, often occurring in the early hours of the morning. In one case, a home was reportedly burgled twice within the space of a week. Despite complaints to law enforcement, victims say responses have been slow and largely ineffective.
Concerns have also been raised about the growing presence of individuals posing as waste scavengers—popularly known as bolar boys—who are seen roaming the estate during the day but are suspected of engaging in criminal activities after dark.
Robbery hotspots identified by residents include Morekete Village, Macaulay Bus Stop, and other parts of the Igbogbo-Baiyeku corridor. The high concentration of commercial motorcycle operators (okada riders) in these areas has further heightened security concerns, especially at night.
Residents are now appealing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner of Police to deploy additional patrol units and conduct security operations within the abandoned housing estate to flush out criminal elements.
As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official response, though community members confirm that several incident reports have been filed at local stations.
The situation highlights broader issues affecting many suburban communities in Lagos, where rapid expansion is often unaccompanied by adequate infrastructure and security enforcement.