Residents of Mercyland (Jabe CDA), 3rd Power Line, Oke Eletu, Ijede in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have begun abandoning their homes following a series of Ikorodu robbery attacks, culminating in the killing of a Community Development Association (CDA) executive. The latest attack occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, when armed robbers reportedly stormed the community, raided several homes and carted away cash, mobile phones and other valuables worth millions of naira.
During the incident, Mr. Abdulazeez Olaoye T.A., a respected resident and CDA executive, was allegedly attacked with machetes while trying to alert neighbours and prevent the robbers from extending their operation to nearby compounds. He later died from the injuries he sustained. Residents said the latest incident marks the sixth robbery attack recorded in the community since the beginning of the year, with several of the attacks reportedly occurring within the last month.
A resident, Adekunle Olamide, said the assailants invaded about seven houses, adding that one homeowner’s CCTV surveillance system was destroyed before the robbers forced their way into the property. According to him, the homeowner narrowly escaped a fatal machete strike after raising his hand to shield his head, suffering a severe finger injury that later required medical treatment.
Another resident, Obisesan Taiye, said the attackers also broke into a block of eight flats, successfully gaining access to five apartments, while occupants of the remaining three escaped. He disclosed that two additional residents sustained serious machete wounds during the operation and are currently receiving treatment. Community members also alleged that a woman was raped during one of the earlier attacks, while another resident suffered deep machete cuts to his leg in a separate incident.
Taiye further claimed that Olaoye had confided in fellow residents weeks before his death that unknown individuals had threatened him and another elderly resident, raising fears about his safety. Residents said several streets, including Kamoru Street, Albert Street and Badejo Ososanya Street, have repeatedly experienced armed robberies. One resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, described the persistent attacks as devastating.
“In the last six months, this area has been attacked several times. We no longer sleep peacefully because we don’t know when the robbers will return,” the resident said.
Another victim recounted how armed robbers had invaded his compound only weeks earlier, breaking into nearly every apartment and stealing valuables. The recurring Ikorodu robbery attacks, residents said, have forced many families to relocate from what was once considered a peaceful neighbourhood.
They appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to urgently strengthen security in the community. The residents also called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the killing of the CDA executive, arrest those responsible, intensify patrols and restore confidence among community members who now fear further attacks.
