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LAGOS LOCKDOWN: Concerns mount over growing insecurity in Lagos

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COVID-19: Relief for Lagos, Ogun, Abuja residents as govt relaxes lockdown measures

Recent spate of insecurity in Lagos has drawn the attention of lawyers in the State. This is as branch chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Bayo Akinlade, expressed concerns over the rising insecurity in Lagos occasioned by the lockdown ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Akinlade, who is the Chairman of Ikorodu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also called for a reactivation of the justice system to tackle the rising insecurity. He expressed his views in an open letter to the Commissioner for Justice.

Titled ‘Safety and Security for Lagosians’, he said the recent robbery attacks in the Agege area of Lagos underscored the need to put in place adequate machinery to fight crime and insecurity.

“With the current situation in the Agege area of Lagos, it is becoming obvious that insecurity may claim more lives than the COVID-19 pandemic if not addressed urgently.

Read also: FG denies ordering reopening of schools

“May I humbly suggest that we reactivate our justice system as a priority in dealing with disputes within our communities.

“I also suggest that we put more faith in our community leaders, local government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, philanthropists and family unit heads to liaise with the Police within the community to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

“Similarly, we should attempt to create an equal playing field for everyone to determine their own interest.

“In this regard, we need to come up with a unique way to fight this pandemic,’’ he said.

The lawyer insisted that there was the need to consider these measures, so as to cushion the effects of lack of food and ability to earn support for selves. He volunteered to assist as a legal practitioner to redress wrongs.

“As Chairman of NBA Ikorodu Branch and a Lagosian, I am at your service to do what is necessary to support the government.

“I am bound to speak for the voiceless of my community,’’ he said.

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