Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, have lamented persistent phone snatching, housebreaking and other crimes. The Guardian learnt that many residents are being attacked on the streets of Minna daily.
Many have been injured, killed or had their properties stolen. Shop owners and residents are usually the victims.
The criminals have reportedly stolen laptops, iPads, cell phones and cash worth millions of naira. A resident, Amina Auwal, said some of the incidences are carried out at midnight and during rainfalls to reduce the chances of detection. She said the disturbing trend indicates a failure on the part of security agents and governments to secure the lives and property of the citizens.
Another resident, Yaro Biu, said many areas in Minna have witnessed robbery attacks, such as Barikin Saleh, Tunga, Kpakungu, Maitumbi, Bosso, Sauka Kahuta, Limawa, Dutsen Kura, and Chanchaga.
He stressed the need for surveillance, monitoring and reviewing the security architecture to curb the menace. Some communities have also resorted to self-protection.
He called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Commissioner of Police, Ebenezer Shawulu Danmamman, to take decisive action against perpetrators of the crimes in the city.
According to him, residents can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, pleaded to get back after ascertaining the details from the concerned Divisional Police Officer (DPO). He was yet to do so at press time.
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