Rising Insecurity Hits Gowon Estate as Hoodlums Terrorise Residents

Fear has taken over Gowon Estate in Alimosho, Lagos, as residents grapple with a surge in vandalism, theft, and attacks by hoodlums who have turned the once-peaceful community into a hotspot for crime.

With most streets unable to sustain the rising cost of night guards, security has collapsed, leaving residents exposed. In recent weeks, criminals have targeted vehicles across the estate, stealing batteries, brain boxes, and cutting off cables.

One resident, Mr. Ubani, recounted how his truck, recently shipped from Germany, was vandalised on 412 Road. “They destroyed the battery protector, cut off all the copper wires, and carted away the battery,” he lamented.

The wave of theft has not spared public utilities. Residents of Union Bank quarters, Army blocks, and surrounding areas reported losing water pumping machines and electrical cables to night raids. Hoodlums disguised as scavengers have also been caught around 3 a.m. with stolen goods stuffed in sacks, including aluminium pot covers, exercise books, and shop items.

More disturbing is the spate of manhole cover thefts, which now expose residents and motorists to grave risks, especially during heavy rains.

Chairman of the Gowon Estate Community Development Association (CDA), Alhaji Dauda Oyebanji, blamed the insecurity on scavengers and abandoned vehicles that litter the estate.

He said the CDA had written to authorities to remove the scrap dealers at Customs Quarters who serve as hideouts for hoodlums, but received no response.
Oyebanji admitted that the CDA is handicapped, as residents are unwilling to contribute financially to community security.

“We cannot secure lives and property without the commitment of residents. Unfortunately, people have refused to support despite the dangers,” he said.
Ironically, despite hosting multiple security agencies, including the DSS, Police, Customs, Navy, and Army, Gowon Estate has remained a haven for hoodlums and miscreants.