Armed Robbers Invade Police Barracks, Vandalise Vehicles

MICHAEL AKINOLA

This is not the best of times for Police Officers living in Iponri Barracks, Surulere area of Lagos, as they cannot sleep with their two eyes closed following several attacks by armed robbers.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that while the victims at the barracks were still battling to recover from the previous robbery attacks, where they reportedly lost their valuables, another incident happened on Friday night.

This time, the fearless robbers even vandalised some vehicles parked inside the barracks and escaped.
It was gathered that the bandits operated for several hours and carted away motor parts they loosened from the vehicles with their tools.What surprised many residents of the barracks is the manner the robbers invaded the place despite the fact that there is Police Station close to the barracks yet no security was put in place.

According to the residents, they woke up in the morning and discovered that some vehicles were vandalized and they contacted the Police in the area, who could not explain how the robbers gained entrance into the barracks.

Findings revealed that the Police Station located in the area took it for granted by not deploying security in the barracks with the mindset that robbers will not dare enter the barracks.
The Chairman of the barracks could not be reached when P.M.EXPRESS reporter visited but the residents confirmed the invasion and expressed fear that they were no longer safe.

Some observed that two factors may have contributed to the ugly incidents. First was the inability of the Police in the area to provide security in the barracks. The second aspect was that it could be the handiwork of the barracks boys, who may have gone out at night to vandalise the vehicles.

Some of the residents were said to be contemplating moving out of the barracks because of the recent developments while others said that they might consider providing security to protect their properties since the Police in the area do not provide enough security for them.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bala Elkana, could not be reached for comments as his phone was switched off when P.M.EXPRESS contacted him.