The Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria has warned Boko Haram and any other purveyor of violence to steer clear of Lagos or get crushed by the will of the peace loving good people of Lagos. The party says it is issuing this warning in the light of recent security uncovering of a hide out where militant groups were stockpiling arms and planning a possible attack on Lagos.
In a release in Lagos, signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, the party says that Lagos, as Nigeria’s last refuge from the overwhelming security crisis ravaging the nation, has the full capacity to defend itself from unprovoked attack from any criminal group.
It therefore warns perpetrators of violence to stay off Lagos or be ready to face the wrath and firepower of Lagos State.
“We were rudely awakened by the recent discovery of a hideout in Ijora, being used by terrorists and criminal elements as a pad for a possible assault on Lagos. We believe this is an affront to Lagos and would be met with the necessary force it deserves. We want to serve notice to Boko Haram or any other insurgent group that Lagos is fully prepared, security wise to deal with any assault and that we will not refrain from enforcing the peace and tranquility that reigns in Lagos at present, as other parts of the country grapple with worsening security challenges.
“Lagos ACN recognizes the fact that Lagos has become a haven for all Nigerians fleeing all manners of security problems in their respective states and that this is a result of careful planning and deliberate investment in security. We recognize that as Boko Haram chase people out of the North, Lagos State has risen to the challenge of providing impregnable security to the many Nigerians under its tent and we will not tolerate any deliberate attempt to challenge that status. Lagos remains a no go area for Boko Haram, armed robbers, kidnappers and all other forms of criminals who are bent on denting the sparkling security credential the Lagos State government has painstakingly earned in recent times. We warn that any attack on Lagos will bring unimaginable consequences and warn any group or person thinking of such to desist as Lagos State government will surely get at such group or persons.
“We want to join our voices with those of other groups and individuals who have demanded for a thorough investigation of the terrorists arrested in Ijora Badia. We want a full scale investigation that will reveal the identities of the alleged terrorists, the possible linkages they have with other groups and people, the motives of these terrorists, their mode of operations, etc. Also, we want an investigation into the ownership of the property where these terrorists were arrested and why it had remained in such abandoned state for long as to offer a hideout to terrorists. We demand that no lead be ignored in this investigation, even if such leads point to unconventional beliefs in the present security challenges facing the nation. Lagos ACN also charges the security agencies to do more to unravel such other similar criminal hideouts in Lagos, as we urge Lagosians to report any suspicious moves and people to the Lagos State security agencies for immediate action.
“We want to assure all Lagos residents that the present government is deeply committed to ensuring their security and will do everything to ensure they are safe and carry out their legitimate duties for the upliftment of Lagos State.”