Lagos Task Force arrests 31 suspected cultists

Joy Anyim

Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force have arrested 31 miscreants suspected to be cultists during an overnight raid on their hideout, over the weekend. 

The suspects, who were arrested around Shitta in Surulere, Capitol Road, Isale-Oja and Agege areas of the state, had in their possession bags of marijuana, Novalyn and Codeine cough syrups.

According to the chairman of the Agency,  CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, the raid which led to the arrest of the suspects was, based on the  directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police,  CP Imohimi Edgal, to eradicate miscreants and hoodlums in the state.

Egbeyemi said,  “Based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the Agency over the weekend arrested 23 notorious miscreants during an overnight raid around Shitta area of Surulere and confiscated bags substances suspected to be Indian hemp with other outlawed illicit drugs such as Codeine cough syrup.

“Also, another eight members of notorious ‘Awawa Boys’ were arrested during an enforcement operations carried out around Capitol Road, Isale-Oja and Agege.”

Lamenting the rate at which young persons are getting into crime and other vices, Egbeyemi  said,  “Most parents have abdicated their responsibility toward their children as many youths are now found deeply in gangsterism.

“Even worse is that most of the violent crime committed are perpetrated by teenagers who lack parental care.”

Stating that the state’s Commissioner of Police have directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecution,  Egbeyemi further warned that the Agency would continue to raid all other areas known to be inhabited by undesirable elements.

A resident who refused to identify himself commended the enforcement team of the Agency and said he could now drive home safely without any fear of being harassed by miscreants who often lurk around available corners at night and rob innocent members of the public of their valuables at the Shitta area of Surulere.

In another development, the Agency said it was set to clampdown on all illegal traders on railway tracks across the State.

Chairman of the Agency, who disclosed this in press statement issued, on Sunday, said the heavy convergence of illegal traders selling and buying goods around railway tracks is suicidal and an eye-sore.

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Egbeyemi noted that since it is the primary responsibility of any responsible and responsive government to protect lives and properties of the people, the agency is out to ensure same.

“Strategically this unusual and very risky trading practice has led to the death of some people, especially those who were not quick enough to depart the scene for an oncoming train,” he said.

Making reference to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law, Egbeyemi said it was completely unlawful for anyone to hawk, buy or sell goods on railway tracks including all road setbacks and walkways across the State.

He, however, warned officials of both local government council and market women to desist from collecting fees from the illegal traders on railway lines around Oshodi, Mushin, Ikeja-Along, Yaba, Oyingbo and Agege as anyone caught would be severely dealt with in accordance with the Law.