I had always held the belief that the 7-Up/Alausa axis of Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, was impregnable, security-wise. Don’t blame me. Since that Mobolaji Johnson Avenue leads to the office and residence of the helmsman of one of the most important states in the country, I never thought thieves and hoodlums could lay siege to that entire axis at any time.
Now I know better.
Early this morning, a gang of hoodlums was in total control of the area. The road had been cordoned off between 7-Up and Eleganza with logs, blocks, buckets and other items, and the boys were looting one of the buildings. The building in question had also been considerably vandalised. Broken blocks and little piles of rubble were scattered all over the road. Some motorists had run into them before realising what was going on. I was in that number.
Thrice did they hit my car with what I suspect were planks. That the right side glass did not succumb to the vicious battering is a wonder.
But that wasn’t even the story. After I had escaped from the danger zone, I managed to call the emergency number 767. After several “the number you’re trying to call does not exist” from the other end, a female voice answered. I explained my plight and suggested that the RRS or any other police unit be immediately drafted to the scene. She was very calm, as she listened. When I was done, she told me that the report of the on-going violence at 7-Up had earlier been received by the emergency services. She then asked me if the hoodlums were still there.
I was genuinely shocked. You mean you had been informed and the boys were still in charge of that place? In a town with an Oba and chiefs? She apologised and promised to send a reminder to the RRS guys.
Tope Adeboboye
That was it for me. In times of emergency, neither the lady nor the police authorities bothered to exhibit the slightest sense of urgency. I ended the call and silently prayed for those that would still run into those criminals.
It’s only safe to assume that nowhere is safe. And that no one is safe.
It is every man for himself.
May God keep protecting us.
Culled from Tope Adeboboye’s Timeline
