By Evelyn Usman

 Warring youths of  Otto- Awori and Ijanikin communities in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been warned to sheath their sword or risk spending  23 years in prison , in accordance with the Lagos State law on prohibition of unlawful societies and cultism, if arrested.

The warning was handed down by the Police in Lagos, following the recent bloody clash that brought commercial activities to a halt  in the area .

Recall that the rampaging members of rival cult groups from both communities took over the Lagos/Badagry expressway, for several hours last week,  preventing road users passage , as they engaged in a free-for-all , wielding dangerous objects.

But for the intervention of the Police, the crisis would have snowballed into a bloody clash between both communities.

In a reconciliation  meeting between the warring communities, held  at the headquarters of the Area ‘K’ Command, the Area Commander, ACP Ahmed Jamilu, cautioned both parties to cease the confrontation or face the wrath of the law.

At the meeting initiated by the Akogun of Otto-Awori kingdom, Chief Kehinde Abimbola Dawodu – Avoseh, representative of ACP Jamilu ,CSP Regentha Timpa,  urged both parties to embrace peace, reminding them of the legal  consequences of their action.

Noting that the constitutional obligation of the Police  entailed  protection of lives and property , as well as  maintaining law and order, Timpa warned that the command  would not fold its hand and allow breakdown of law and order.

Timpa said, “” We’re law enforcement agents and our task is to maintain law and order. If the community is not at peace, the police will be worried because it will hinder the peace of the area. So, you should therefore sheathe your sword.

He urged them to avail the  Divisional Police Officer,  Ijanikin division , CSP Chinedu Chimereze, with information about criminal activities in the area, assuring the readiness of the DPO to work with the communities.

In adherence to the call on information dissemination,  initiator of the reconciliation meeting,  Chief Dawodu Avoseh , urged the Police to beam their searchlight at  Vespa bus stop  and Ijanikin under bridge, disclosing  that cultists usually held meetings there. 

He also appealed to  the  DPO  Ijanikin Division not to rest on his oars, insisting that trouble makers in the communities should be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.

Representatives of Ijanikin youths present at the meeting were: Merrs  Abogun  Opeyemi,  Sanni Oluwasegun, Jimoh Akanni, Awesu Sharafa and Lamidi Musbau. Those from  Otto-Awori included :  Simeon Paul, Ademola Balogun, Oshoja  Oyeyemi, Sikiru Taiwo and Aminu Rasak.