Boko Haram: Lagos Calls For Calm, Vigilance

Residents Must Be United In Resisting Terrorism–Lagos AG

The Lagos State Government, yesterday, urged residents to remain ‘calm but very vigilant’ in response to reports of an alleged foiled attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Ikoyi area of the state.

The state assured that the Police and other security agencies have intensified efforts to rid its territory of hoodlums, armed robbers and suspected terrorists.

The assurance is coming on the heels of the arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) of 45 suspected Boko Haram members, who allegedly planned to attack Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, an affluent neighbourhood in the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the state government vowed not to relent in its constitutional duty to ensure safety of lives and property in its territory.

Ayorinde said that the current reality is that times have changed and the need to urge every citizen to be more security conscious is now paramount.

“Due to the economic hardship being experienced all over the country with many states and private business owners battling with payments of salaries and wages, Lagos State has become the prime destination for several thousands of people who now throng the daily with no plan to return, because they believe this is the state where economic succor is available”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, has asked resident to be united in the resolve to prevent infiltration of extremism in into their communities.

Kazeem, who spoke at the 39th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law, themes ‘International Law and Extremism,’ said that the topic of discussion is very imperative especially in this critical period, when Nigeria, like many other countries, are at the receiving end of acts of extremism in its various forms.

He said the effect of insurgency is particularly exemplified by the devastation, which the North Eastern part of the country has witnessed; with thousands of internally displaced persons in need of support to be reintegrated back into the society.