Lagosians raise the alarm over increasing robbery incidents

Some residents of Lagos State have raised the alarm over incessant robbery attacks in the outskirts of the state.

The residents of Meiran, Agbado and Oko Oba areas said robbers had been having a field day, robbing them with ease without any challenge from law enforcement agencies, especially the police.

Our correspondent, who visited the affected areas, learnt that three people were killed in separate robbery attacks within two weeks in Meiran, while in Agbado area, two men, including a vigilante, were killed by the bandits who went from house to house robbing residents of their valuables.

At Meiran, the robbers were said to have operated for hours while distress calls failed to bring policemen to dislodge them.

A mechanic, Mr. Adebusoye Alonge, was said to have been killed in the presence of his wife and four children in one of the robberies.

When our correspondent visited the Alonges  on Usman Adebanjo Street, traces of Adebubuoye’s were still visible in front of the house.

A neighbour, who craved anonymity, said, “Around 2.15am on August 14, 2013, about 20 robbers stormed this area and started shooting sporadically. They went from house to house, stealing phones, laptops and money.

“When they got to the Alonge’s house, they could not break down the front door, so they went to the back.

“Alonge, who thought they had left, was coming to my house when the robbers sighted him. They shot him in the chest. He died soon after.

“The robbers then proceeded to Monuga Street and the neighbouring areas. Surprisingly, they knew the names of residents.”

The residents said they contacted the Meiran Police Division but the policemen did not arrive until five hours later.

Chairman, Kasali/Ajibike Landlords Association, Alhaji Memuda Iyanda, said there was a need for increased police presence in the area.

A resident, Mr.Olajide Saka, said, “On August 2, around 2.30am, robbers stormed my house. They stole my wife’s money; my laptop as well as six phones. They proceeded to my tenants’ house and robbed him as well. They also robbed on other streets such as  Kasali, Ogunrinde, Ajibike, Ike Anabi, Idowu Ogungbesan and Ifelodun.

“Things have become so bad that we can no longer sleep  even at daytime. Everyone is in fear.”

The robbers were said to have attacked three streets located off Kabo way in a separate attack during an operation which lasted over three hours.

Residents, who spoke to our correspondent, said most of the robbers wore masks.

A resident, who craved anonymity, said, “The robbers came in at midnight and made for Adebari Street. They tied up the vigilance men at the place, but another vigilante, who attempted to rescue his colleagues, was killed by the robbers.

“The culprits then went to Ikumapayi Street where they went from house to house, robbing people of their valuables.

“There is a need for the Commissioner of Police to tell the Divisional Police Officer, Meiran Division, to sit up because we cannot continue to live in fear.”

On Saturday, In Agbado, a 14-man robbery gang raided four communities namely Amikanle, Ogundare, Alaso Estate and Okeabiye and operated for hours.

During the raid, the robbers killed a guard, Wasiu Olatoye, and shot four others before carting away phones, cash and other valuables.

The policemen attached to Agbado Division were said to have arrived hours after the robbers had fled.

Residents of Oko Oba said robbery was perpetrated even at day time.

A mother of three, who was attacked in her house around 11am, said there was need for the police to beef up security in the area.

Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Oko Oba, Chief Olu Omosaiye, said the crime rate had increased because the police leadership at the Oko Oba Division was preoccupied with other things.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said she was not aware of the robberies.

“We are not aware of robberies in the state. However, I shall hold a meeting with the CP to inform him of the development,” she said.

Read more: http://www.punchng.com/metro/lagosians-raise-the-alarm-over-increasing-robbery-incidents/