The residents of Gowon Estate, FHA, in Alimosho area of Lagos State, have called on the Federal Government, the Minister of Works and Housing, the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State government to intervene and rescue them from the rapid encroachment and breakdown of law and order within the estate.
For months, the estate has been under siege by a suspected land grabber, identified as Mr. Ishola Abiodun Ejigbadero, who allegedly claims that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) reserved lands belong to his family.
Residents allege that Mr. Ejigbadero, in suspected connivance with compromised FHA officials, has begun the systematic destruction of estate infrastructure and the sale of public utility lands.
Speaking with the media, the spokesperson, Community Development Association Task Force, Mr Cosmas Robort, accused Ejigbadero of acquiring and converting all FHA reserved areas meant for recreational activities and future development in connivance with some FHA officials.
According to him, the man claimed that the estate land belonged to his father and, as such, he sold portions of land to people for trade, including block industries, car washing, and mechanic workshops, among others.
Mr Robort said that the estate’s security fence, stretching from Moshalasi to Ponle Bus Stop, has been demolished to make way for illegal shops and stalls, adding that the porous nature of the estate has led to a surge in all forms of criminality.
“Residents now live in constant fear for their lives. The construction of illegal structures near public schools has facilitated the influx of drug dealers, endangering the students and local youth.
“Blocked drainage systems caused by illegal construction have led to massive flooding, rendering many internal roads impassable.
“Some of the structures he has constructed are now hideouts for criminals who snatch phones from unsuspecting residents,’’ Mr Robort said.
The FHA estate, therefore, calls for urgent intervention, stating that despite petitions to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone 2) and local authorities, no significant action has been taken.
“The youth of this estate are restless but are trying to remain law-abiding.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to rescue us before we are completely displaced by those who have held the community to ransom. We demand the immediate demolition of all illegal structures and a full investigation into the FHA officials backing these activities.”
The residents are appealing to the Minister of Works and Housing to call the FHA to order and restore the estate’s original master plan in the interest of public safety and urban sanity.
