Several victims have come forward to recount harrowing experiences after allegedly being threatened and abandoned by officials of the Lagos State task force in the Osun Forest. The victims claim they were apprehended in the Marina area of Lagos and later transported to the forest in Ilesha, Osun State, where they were allegedly threatened with death if they refused to comply with the directives of the officials.

The incident follows the Lagos State government’s vow to crack down on miscreants, leading to the discovery of makeshift apartments under the Dolphin Bridge. According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, an operation was launched to address security concerns caused by the influx of miscreants and beggars in various parts of the state.

However, victims have alleged that they were arrested without proper investigation and forcibly taken to Osun State. They claim to have been crammed into a chartered bus and threatened with violence if they did not cooperate with the officials.

Miracle Chukwu, one of the victims, recounted being stopped by task force officials while returning from work and subsequently forced into a bus. He described how they were intimidated and threatened with firearms upon arrival in the forest.

Similarly, Arius Awodeji, a job seeker, claimed they were deceived into believing they were heading to meet the governor in Ikeja but ended up in the forest instead.

Peter Ocheja, another victim, stated he was unjustly arrested on his way to work and felt compelled to follow the directives out of fear for his safety.

In response to the incident, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, stated that his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, denied authorizing the repatriation of youths to Osun. Adeleke urged Sanwo-Olu to investigate the matter and ensure it is addressed promptly.

As the victims seek justice and clarification on the circumstances surrounding their ordeal, concerns over human rights violations and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies have been raised.

Efforts to reach Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso for comment on Adeleke’s statement were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.