Ten years after one of the worst clashes between rival factions in Oshodi, residents say the area is once again witnessing a surge of violence by young men who have returned, not for celebration but for chaos.

Since December 2025, there have been repeated attacks on businesses and homes, with vehicles destroyed and residents harassed across the council area.

After months of complaints, residents of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 have raised the alarm over escalating attacks by hoodlums in Owoseni, Inasa, Eyin-Ogun, Orile-Oshodi, Branco, Ayetoro Compound, Ilesomi, Ijaye Street, and adjoining areas. They said that in recent weeks, armed groups have unleashed violence, leaving dozens injured, vehicles damaged, shops vandalised and property destroyed.

Residents under  OMSE lamented that the community’s sense of safety has been shattered, with daily life now marked by fear and uncertainty.

Concerned about what they described as an inadequate response, community leaders convened a stakeholders’ meeting at Wahab Larinde Primary School on March 1, 2026, where eyewitnesses and victims gave first-hand accounts of the attacks. According to them, the testimonies highlight the scale of destruction and could assist law enforcement investigations.

Although Oshodi has police divisions — Makinde, Mosafejo, Akinpelu and Airport divisions — as well as an Army barracks in Charity, and the Lagos State Task Force office in Bolade, about five minutes’ drive from the affected areas, residents said hoodlums, some as young as 15, continue to operate with impunity.

They alleged that the police lack the equipment and manpower to tackle the situation effectively, claiming, for instance, that the Akinpelu Police Division lacks basic facilities, while other divisions are understaffed.

Chairman of OMSE, Babatunde Faleye, said preliminary findings point to “a disturbing network” of local stakeholders and elders allegedly backing the criminal elements.

“The open display and use of hard drugs is very disturbing. The use of canal waterways, uncompleted buildings and village-style compounds as hideouts further emboldens these groups, creating a dangerous environment for law-abiding citizens. This complicity undermines community trust and hampers efforts to restore peace.

“As a matter of urgency, we call on the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government and relevant security agencies to intervene immediately. “

A coordinated operation involving the police, civil defence and local vigilantes is needed to dismantle these networks, secure the waterways and curb drug peddling. We also urge community leaders to denounce any support for these hoodlums and work together to build a safe, thriving Oshodi.”

A bus driver, Ismaila Yusuf, recounted his experience: “During an operation in Eniyanlonbinu, the boys broke the passenger-side window and rear windscreen of my mini-bus.

I have not been able to raise money since they destroyed my bus three weeks ago.

They also destroyed other vehicles on the street unchallenged.”

Another resident, Omowunmi Babatunde, said: “They destroyed my belongings and stole my generator, television and phone. They came into my compound armed with cutlasses and other weapons. They storm compounds whenever they see adult males and start destroying property.”

Joshua Adedapo, whose hand was cut during one of the attacks, said: “I was returning from my cousin’s house when I saw people running and followed them. They macheted my hand and I was rushed to the hospital. I experience pain every night and cannot sleep.”

Adeyemi Muritala, also a resident, said: “We have tried our best but the invasions continue. The authorities have the machinery to put things in order — they control the police, Army and Navy — so it is surprising this is happening. There is a military base in Arena, another in Charity and a naval barracks in Shogunle. If the police are overwhelmed, others can be called in to assist.”

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Jimoh Olohundare, said: “There is nothing like a rival war in Oshodi. The task force continues to raid the area and make arrests.

“There may be disturbances, but there is no serious security issue in Oshodi.”