A resident of Watermark Estate, Gerehu, has spoken out about a terrifying home invasion, underscoring growing security concerns in the area. Paul Elavo, whose house is the first near the estate gate, recounted his ordeal during a press conference over the weekend where residents demanded urgent government intervention. Elavo described how a group of armed men terrorized his home between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. They first distracted his neighbour, John, before breaking in. When John attempted to intervene, he was overpowered, stepped on, and barely escaped after shots were fired. In the chaos, the open door allowed the intruders to enter. "Two men walked in with a gun, pointed it at my grandson while he was sleeping.” “He opened his eyes, saw them, and shut his eyes again, fearing the worst," Elavo recalled. The criminals shattered the back glass doors as more intruders attempted to enter and in desperation, Elavo and his sons used makeshift weapons from their balcony, forcing the attackers to retreat. "There were more than 30 of them. But when we fought back, they fell back. We mobilized and chased them off.” This was the fifth time Elavo’s home had been attacked. "I don’t sleep at night anymore. I stay awake with my boys until morning. I have no fence, and my house is right near the gate—I'm the first target.” The ongoing invasions have severely impacted his well-being, pushing him to extreme protective measures. "If anyone enters my home again, I will do whatever it takes to protect my family.” “And if I must face the consequences, so be it," he stated, frustrated by weak law enforcement. Residents believe nearby informal settlements are fuelling the rise in crime. "These settlements are a major concern. The government must remove them. We have children, wives, and daughters to protect," Elavo insisted. He also criticized the justice system, arguing that criminals act without consequence, while victims face punishment for self-defence. "The law is flawed. If criminals attack you, they can kill you. But if you defend yourself, you face legal trouble. The government must change this system to protect innocent people," he asserted. The recent murder of Margaret Gamaru Gabriel in Baruni has heightened residents' demands for action. Watermark Estate residents have now formed an association to push for stronger security measures and advocate for change. "We have come together to stand for our own rights and safety.” “Your presence here will help carry this message to the authorities. We need action now," Elavo urged. Residents are waiting to see if their pleas will result in tangible security improvements or if they must continue to live in fear of the worst.