Landlords and residents of Agbotikuyo, Oke Koto and Fashola in the Agege area of Lagos have cried out over the activities of some street urchins known as ‘Awawa Boys.’
PUNCH Metro gathered that the miscreants usually operate in the morning and at night, attacking passersby and residents unchallenged.
After PUNCH Metro reported the nefarious activities of the miscreants in November 2022, the Lagos State Police Command took action by going after the hoodlums.
But residents told our correspondent that the miscreants have since regrouped and resumed their activities in the community.
Our correspondent sighted some of the miscreants on Monday on Fashola Street as they were stopping motorists and passersby and collecting money and other valuables from them.
A member of the Adegbola Community Development Association in Agege, Oluwadamilola Maxwell, said the boys have become more emboldened.
Maxwell attributed the problem to the fact that whenever they are arrested, they are later released on bail.
He said, “In our area, these boys have become too strong for us. Police would arrest them but some people will go and bail them out.
“Last week, in front of our street, they were stopping cars and commercial motorcycles and were collecting money. When they don’t get what they need, they will use daggers and guns to rob people.
“They broke into my friend’s shop on Shofunde Street and went away with his generator last month. The next morning, he came to his shop but when he saw what they have done, he was not himself again.”
A resident of Bolaji Street, Kayode Ogunsola, said residents have arranged to employ members of the Odua Peoples’ Congress to protect their side of the street because of hoodlums.
“We cannot allow thieves and robbers in our area here in Agbotikuyo. It is not acceptable. We have decided in our CDA to engage OPC members to start patrolling this area. Those boys don’t fear the Army or policemen,” he said.
A resident of Fashola Street, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent that the miscreants operated in broad daylight last week.
“Awawa Boys have turned Fashola Street into their headquarters. One house which has been sold but not yet renovated is where they stay on our street. If anyone comes too late at night, they will be robbed by these boys,” he said.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told our correspondent that he is not aware of the situation.
“I am not aware of this matter but I will look into the matter and get back to you,” he promised.
