The Debegun family of Shagamu, Ogun State, is appealing to the highest authorities in Nigeria to intervene in a troubling situation that has left their community shaken and distressed. On April 12, 2025, the family was once again subjected to a violent invasion on their land by suspected ajagungbale—a local term for land grabbers who often use force and intimidation to seize land.
According to the family, this isn't the first time they're experiencing such terror. In what appears to be a coordinated attack, armed men reportedly stormed their town, shot at residents, and with the backing of some members of the police, whisked away community members to Abeokuta—placing them in the hands of the state’s land task force, allegedly led by one Mustapha Akeem.
The family’s plea is now directed to the Inspector General of Police, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Attorney General of Ogun State, urging them to investigate and put a stop to what they describe as “systematic harassment” by these land-grabbing syndicates.
What makes this situation even more alarming is the eerie similarity to a previous incident last year. Members of the community were taken by force from an event, charged to court the next day without a chance to explain themselves, and ended up spending six months in custody before they could secure legal representation. The Debegun family fears a repeat of this injustice is already underway.
“This has become their mode of operation,” a family representative said. “Those picked up yesterday are already being prepped for court. No proper investigation, no fair hearing—just like last year. Meanwhile, some of our people who were shot during the attack are currently treating themselves with their own money. Where is the justice in that?”
The alleged ringleader of the invading group is one Ganiu Lateef, popularly known as Eleda—a man described as notorious and feared across Ikorodu and Shagamu. Others named in the group include Sunday Williams, Amisu Akinlawon, Sukanmi Kadiri, Abiodun Odunsi, and Seyi Fakoya (a.k.a. Were), with additional names still being verified.
The family says they are not just fighting for their land, but for their dignity and safety. “It’s now becoming difficult to understand the role of the police in all this,” the spokesperson continued. “Are they here to protect us, or to help these thugs strip us of our rights? We are calling for thorough investigations, accountability, and protection.”
This is a cry for help from citizens who feel abandoned in their own homeland at Konigbagbe Bus/stop, Shagamu, Ogijo Road. The Debegun family is hoping their voices reach those who have the power to act—before the situation escalates any further.
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