Kwara communities under robbers siege, cry for help

Residents of Oke-Foma, a suburb that comprised several communities in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State have cried out for help over the incessant robbery and burglary incidents in the area.   Majority of the inhabitants, it was gathered, have lost properties and other valuable items to the robbers and burglars terrorising the communities.  […]

Residents of Oke-Foma, a suburb that comprised several communities in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State have cried out for help over the incessant robbery and burglary incidents in the area. 

 Majority of the inhabitants, it was gathered, have lost properties and other valuable items to the robbers and burglars terrorising the communities. 

Some of the residents including commercial/private motorcyclists, car and shop owners who have fallen victims have lost motorcycles, cash, jewelry and had their vehicles vandalised in the process among several other personal losses. 

A shop owner, Lukman Yahaya, who operates a barbing shop, said his shop was burgled last month by some unidentified burglars who carted away items worth over N300,000. 

A foodstuff seller, Sikiru Ayinde, while narrating his experience said over N150, 000 worth of Semovita and wheat were stolen from his shop following the attack by burglars. 

“I had rushed to the shop on a Sunday morning to quickly pick some items only to discover my shop had been burgled. They had a field day while carrying out their operation, they closed the metal door after they finished hung one of the damaged keys at the entrance to make it look like the door was still under lock”, he added. 

Also speaking, another resident, Rasheedat Salami, lamented the situation. 

“At my house in Mahdi, the robbers snatched my husband’s car and collected his phones, money and other items. But luckily, we found the car at the expressway the next morning after they ran out of fuel,” she added. 

When our reporter visited some of the residents in Phase 1 in the Oke-Fomo community, they said robbery activities in the area have gone beyond control. 

Mr Yusuf Idris told our reporter that her family had fallen victim twice to car battery thieves in the area. 

“Some of us had suffered a lot as they jump the fence to remove car batteries. Mine has been removed twice. The first one was removed and I was managing my wife’s car and they later came two months after to steal that of my wife. 

Also speaking, one of the community leaders, Alhaji Wahab Ayinla said the community could hardly sleep with their two eyes closed over the development, which he said has gone beyond control. 

“Here in Phase 1, there is no time the burglars and robbers can’t operate. The insecurity issue started with phones theft and bags snatching from the residents. 

“The community’s efforts in tackling the situation have not been successful. We need more police presence especially at night,” he noted.  

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi told our reporter that they are yet to receive official complaints from the community. 

“We are not aware of any complaint regarding the issue. If the community is experiencing such incidents, they should go to the nearest police station and report. The police will take the necessary action. But now, nothing of such has been brought to our attention”, Ajayi, a Police Superintendent added.