Monkeys Invade Gbagada Area Of Lagos, Chase Residents

Monkeys from natural habitats have caused many residents of Soluyi/Sosanya Community in Gbagada area of Lagos State, to flee; as they can no longer withstand the situation.

They have begged the state government to intervene , as the monkeys have forced their way in at night, through their nets, doors , foodstuffs and other items.

The Chairman of the community’s Landlord Association, Mr. Adigun Olaleye, said the destructive behaviour of the animals have been difficult to curtail, as he explained that the invasion might been as a result of nearness of the community to a swamp forest that separated the community from Ifako area.

He said the monkeys come into their houses at any time , even in the early hours of the day, and could enter even if their doors were locked.

Olalaye told news men that the community had written a letter to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture as regards the situation but to no avail.

“They said we would have to pay for them to come and pack the monkeys,” he said.

He said the invasion has been occurring over the years but has become really unbearable in recent times.

Olaleye appealed to the state government to urgently intervene.

Narrating her ordeal, a journalist who lives in the community, Mrs. Funmilola Gboteku, told NAN that the monkeys had forced her family to flee.

“Many times, these monkeys come to the neighbourhood to destroy our property. Once they see food items inside a house, they direct all their energies at gaining entrance forcefully.

“The monkeys are in the habit of tearing the protective nets on windows to gain entrance and eat whatever they find in the house.

“I have had to replace the protective nets several times; I am tired of doing it.

“I have been locking my windows but locking of windows has disadvantages; there is no cross ventilation in the house and as a result, we suffer heat,’’ she said