Residents of Iya-nera, Alasia, Ayetoro, Cele, Vespa, Adio and Oto among others in Ijaniki Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State are allegedly fleeing their homes for fear of the suspected return of the dreaded armed robbery gang, ‘One Million Boys,’ and other dare devil robbers in the area, terrorising the communities.

They are, equally, calling on the state government as well as Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imhimi, to come to their rescue as the fearful robbery groups are on rampage in their communities, maiming and petrifying residents who once experienced peace from their activities. One Million Boys is the name given a horror robbery gang known for its notorious activities around Lagos State and its neighbourhoods. The robbery gang was allegedly formed in Ajegunle by a group of about 20 boys with an objective of fighting perceived injustice in the city. However, some members of this group formed to address certain social neglects in the society, having experienced power, hijacked the gang and switched to robbery and other criminal activities.

They maim and rape women in the course of their robbery operations. Following the unsavory reputation of this gang, a movie, titled: ‘1 Million Boyz,’ was released in 2014 based on their activities.

They steal every good thing found in victims’ houses including shoes, clothes, wristwatches, money, jewelry, even cooked food and drinks. On some occasions, they compel their victims to serve them food. Nobody, who encountered them, would like to meet them again and perhaps, this is the major reason they are relocating.

Recall that sequel to groans and cries from Lagosians on the activities of this group, on October 9, 2012, the Lagos State Police Command raided Apapa and Ajegunle and about 130 suspected members of the group were arrested. The raid and many others in the preceding years, stemmed their activities, a development many Lagosians were pleased with; saying the routine horror from the gang had been put to rest until the news of its resurgence greeted the residents of communities in Ijanikin, following alleged pockets of robberies here and there.

•Excerpted from a New Telegraph report

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