The Gowon Estate North Community Development Association (CDA) in Egbeda, Lagos, has petitioned the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and relevant authorities over alleged encroachment and destruction of the estate’s perimeter fence by unidentified persons.
Chairman of the Gowon North CDA, Alhaji Oyebanji Dauda, told newsmen in Lagos on Thursday that the development poses a serious security threat to residents of the area, many of whom include serving and retired personnel of the police, navy, army, correctional service and other federal parastatals.
According to him, the breach has exposed the once-secure community to criminal elements, including burglars and suspected kidnappers.
“When this estate was developed in the 1980s, security was one of its strongest features. The perimeter fence clearly marked the estate boundary and prevented easy escape routes for criminals,” Dauda said.
“But in recent times, some individuals who claimed the estate is situated on their family land, have broken parts of the fence and converted the open space for sand and granite sales, block making, and other unauthorized commercial activities. We see this as a major security risk,” he added.
Dauda explained that the CDA had written a formal petition to the police and the FHA to investigate the matter after several complaints from residents.
He said the FHA, which remains the landlord and custodian of the estate, had confirmed that the affected area belongs to the estate and not to any private developer.
“We were informed that the FHA has never sold or allocated that land to anyone. This is Gowon Estate, not Jakande Estate or any other layout.
“So we are surprised to see people claiming ownership and carrying out illegal activities there,” the CDA chairman said.
Dauda noted that the community’s decision to invite the authorities for verification followed months of tension and fear among residents, who have reported cases of break-ins and attempted abductions.
He said representatives of the FHA, along with officers from the relevant security agencies, were expected to visit the site for an on-the-spot assessment as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Our concern is not just about property but the safety of lives. We want peace and security restored in our community,” Dauda stressed.
Residents of Gowon Estate have called on the Federal Housing Authority and law enforcement agencies to take swift action to stop further encroachment and restore the integrity of the estate’s boundaries.
