The lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe, has called for an end to the hostilities among youths and community leaders in the constituent.

He emphasised the need for them to embrace peace amid rising clashes that are causing unrest and destruction of property in Oshodi.

Ogundipe expressed the concern recently while briefing journalists on the impactful governance he has facilitated in the constituency over the past three years.

He expressed worry that the crisis is becoming so persistent that it is holding the community back.

He said: “We won’t gain anything by killing each other, especially since Oshodi is the gateway that we pride ourselves on. And it’s not good that negativity is arising now, just as people are beginning to see the progress being made in Oshodi. People are speaking positively about us, but the current infighting is bringing back the negative reputation we used to have.”

Ogundipe, who is seeking re-election, claimed that many of those involved in the violence are not residents of Oshodi, but individuals who enter the area to cause riots and then flee after the crisis.

He, therefore, appealed to the youths and stakeholders in the constituency to avoid tarnishing the community’s image, emphasising the need for them to collectively fight against action that could harm the community’s progress.

“It is crucial that we prioritise dialogue over conflict and support ongoing development initiatives that will bring peace and stability to us,” he added.

Ogundipe, however, noted that efforts are ongoing to address the crisis by engaging with youths to understand their grievances and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to help tame the growing crisis.