Robbers On Rampage Again In Onitsha

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The residents of Onitsha metropolitan city and its environs in Anambra State,  seemed to be on self imposed curfew following the surge in criminal activities around the city as there appeared no solution in sight. 

P.M.EXPRESS investigations revealed that it appeared that the police were also helpless following the huge number of street robbers who attacked and robbed residents unabated daily.

Following the upsurge of armed robbery within the city, the residents now lived in constant fear and panic. As they were no longer safe, most hurriedly return to their homes from 6pm and remain indoors to avoid being attack by the robbers.

According to residents, the robbers have virtually taken over the major streets and roads in the city, inflicting injuries and robbing innocent people of their valuables.

Some of the roads the robbers had taken over as the operational bases included, Upper Iweka, Uga Junction, MCC, Nkpo round about,  Obodoukwu Road, Eze Iweka Road, Port Harcourt Road, Awaka Road, 33 Junction, Niger Road and other areas.

P.M.EXPRESS tried to find out the cause of the sudden upsurge of armed robbers unlike in the past when the State Government was on top of security of lives and properties in the area and residents were free to move around.

According to some residents, it started after Governor Willie Obiano announced the ban on motorcycle operators in Onitsha and its environs due to criminal activities and safety. It was also learnt that the sacked task force members who used to operate on the roads decided to rob on those roads.

It was also gathered that the banned motorcycles operators may have tried robbery at the various bus stops and found it more lucrative than riding ‘Okada’ and then decided to continue with robbery.

Some traders told our correspondent that they now share their daily sales with robbers as they were forced to map out some portion of their gains for the settlement of robbers to remain in business.

Residents who spoke to P.M.EXPRESS decried the terrible security situation as it was difficult to sleep at night with their two eyes closed.

One Mr. Caius Okeke said that they were no longer safe both in their shops and at  home, because the criminals come to markets to monitor them in the day and demand the share of their own money after sales in the evening.

Onitsha markets where the criminal activities were prevalent were Main Market, Ochanja market, Head bridge and others.

Mr. Emeka Okafor, a businessman who owned a shop at Bida Road, Onitsha, said that they have been robbed of their valuables on different occasions. He said the nefarious activities around the Bida area can be attributed to the return of the dreaded Ikanda Boys.

Mr. Okafor said that the Ikanda Boys were arrested in the past but that they were back in the area. He said that they collected tolls from people in the area unhindered by the security agents. He narrated painfully that the criminal elements monitored the traders and when they closed in the evening, the traders will have to surrender something to them or be attacked and forced to part with their valuables.

Mr. Okafor is therefore appealing to Governor Willie Obiano and the security agencies in the State to come to their aid. He said that the Governor had done it in the past and can do more now on the security of lives and properties in the State.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that travellers were not safe either; as the robbers confronted, dispossessed them of their bags, phones and other valuables unabated. It appeared that the police in the area had been overwhelmed by the incessant activities of the robbers and they even feared for their lives thereby allowing them to have field days in the city.