19th January, 2011
The lingering war between rival gangs in Mushin Area of Lagos State, South-West Nigeria, is disturbing and must be stopped.
Reports say that before last Sunday when an Islamic scholar was allegedly shot dead by unknown persons, several people had been killed in the wake of the violence that rocked the area.
While investigations into the murder of the Mushin-based Imam have not been completed, reports say that the raging war is between two rival gangs in the area.
One of the gangs, it was learnt, is accused of masterminding the killing of the Imam.
It is believed that although the murder of the Islamic scholar triggered the attacks, the two gangs have been embroiled in a battle of supremacy in the area for some time now.
Reports say that the violence is sporadic and takes place each time policemen deployed to the area are gone. The officers, it is said, come immediately after the attacks, stay in the area briefly and leave.
Once they arrive, there is semblance of peace as gunmen go underground, but immediately they leave, the war resumes, with the crackle of gunshots disturbing the peace.
Innocent residents are caught in the cross-fire and several cars are said to have been set ablaze. The incident has destabilised the area, with many residents now living in fear. This state of anarchy is unacceptable.
It is also believed that some politicians in the area are exploiting the chaotic situation fo assert their relevance. This is dangerous, especially ahead of the general elections in the country.
If the crisis is allowed to extend beyond this time, the same gangs may be used to intimidate political opponents during the elections. They can also be used to snatch ballot boxes for desperate politicians who are ready to go to any length to capture power.
The situation must therefore be stopped right away before it gets out of hand. We call on the police in Lagos State to immediately deploy some men to the area to stop the killings and arrest the culprits. How these gangs get their weapons and are always a step ahead of security agencies beat our imagination.
We also call on the Lagos State government to pay necessary attention the crisis deserves before it is too late. The government must do all it can to prevent any bloody election in April.
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