By Ali Elias
Following fresh concerns over security in parts of Lagos a public warning has been issued by the Chairman of Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Comr. Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya, urging residents to take extraordinary precautions amid growing fears of kidnapping and related criminal activities.
The warning comes days after a viral security alert circulated across Alimosho communities, cautioning residents to be vigilant when boarding commercial vehicles, particularly Korope mini-buses, following reports of alleged kidnappings along routes connecting Pako, Baruwa, Iyana Ipaja, Ikotun, Egbeda and Moshalasi.
In the latest advisory, Akinsanya called on residents to prioritize personal and family safety, warning that criminal elements appeared undeterred despite ongoing security efforts.
“At this stage, homeschool your kids if possible and keep a close eye on them,” the council chairman stated in the notice.
Addressing family members directly, he added: “Married men, this is not the time to keep malice with your wife. Let your family know your whereabouts at all times.”
The chairman also urged women to reduce unnecessary social outings and exercise greater caution in their daily activities.
“Ladies, this is not the time for partying every day. Please use your head,” he said.
The advisory underscored the potentially devastating consequences of kidnapping, drawing attention to the enormous financial and psychological costs often associated with ransom demands.
“Acknowledge the extreme risk: N50 million is not small money. Even if the ransom is paid, consider the trauma, suffering and emotional damage that follow,” the statement read.
Warning that criminal groups were not relenting, Akinsanya urged residents to remain constantly alert, keep communication lines open and ensure trusted relatives and friends were aware of their movements.
“Remove your phone from DND. Let trusted people know where you’re going. Be familiar with your surroundings. Also, pay attention to the bike or vehicle you enter,” he advised.
The latest warning has added to growing unease among residents of Alimosho and neighbouring communities, where discussions about security have dominated social media platforms and community forums in recent days.
While authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific kidnapping incidents referenced in the viral alerts, the warnings reflect heightened public concern over the broader kidnapping crisis affecting several parts of Nigeria. Security analysts note that although Lagos remains relatively safer than many parts of the country, the fear generated by reports of abductions elsewhere has increased public sensitivity to potential threats.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent in the Ikotun, Igando and Egbeda areas said the alerts have prompted many commuters to become more cautious, particularly when using commercial transportation during early morning and late evening hours.
Some residents welcomed the chairman’s intervention, arguing that community awareness remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime.
Security experts, however, caution against panic and advise residents to verify information through official channels while remaining vigilant. They recommend travelling through well-populated routes, avoiding isolated locations, sharing live locations with trusted contacts when necessary, and promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
As concern continues to spread across Alimosho and Igando-Ikotun, residents are looking to security agencies for further clarification on the reported threats and stronger visible policing measures to reassure the public.
For now, the message from community leaders remains clear: stay alert, stay connected and take no unnecessary risks.