The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected land grabbers who allegedly made an attempt to attack homeowners at Wood Island Estate in the Ishawo area of Ikorodu in Lagos State.
About 100 houses were demolished after the suspected land grabbers invaded the estate last year, Punch reports.
The thugs allegedly made another attempt on Thursday, April 17, but they faced resistance from property owners in the estate.
A police source told the publication that this led to their arrest, with arms recovered.
“Angry house owners and other people have mobilised themselves to prevent another takeover of the area by land speculators, who demolished more than 100 houses.
“One of them identified as Rasak Segun was arrested with a white pistol while trying to escape through a neighbouring estate by vigilante members. He was taken to Owutu Police Station,” the source narrated.
The police source further disclosed that the suspect confessed to members of the Isawo community that he was mobilised from Ajah.
Another person was also said to have been arrested in the community with three pump-action guns, which were concealed in a Toyota Corolla car.
“The driver and some other people were in the car. Sensing danger, the other occupants fled the scene, but the driver was arrested and handed over to the police.
“The vehicle was thoroughly searched and three guns and assorted charms were recovered,” the source added.
The command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of the suspected land grabbers to newsmen on Thursday.
He said, “On Friday, April 11, at about 7:25 pm, a complainant of Owutu area of Ikorodu reported at Owutu Division in the company of a vigilante member reported that one Segun was sighted moving suspiciously.
“When he was questioned, he could not give a satisfactory account of himself. However, he was searched and one pistol with two rounds of live ammunition and one phone was found in his bag.”
He added that the investigation was ongoing.