MINNA – Residents of Minna, Niger State capital, and surrounding areas are alarmed by a sharp increase in criminal activities, including burglary, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. These incidents, often involving youths, occur both day and night, affecting various parts of the metropolis.
Despite security measures, criminals use tools like sledgehammers and iron cutters to break into homes and shops, targeting valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, jewelry, and cash. Victims report losses in the millions of Naira, with criminals exploiting the cover of the rainy season to carry out their activities undetected.
Adegoke Jimoh, a victim, attributes the crime wave to hunger, economic hardship, and inadequate police action. The worst-hit areas include Balikin-sale, Maitumbi, Kpakungu, Tunga, Bosso, Sauka Kahuta, Limawa, Dutsen kura-gwari, and Dutsen-kura Hausa. Some communities have resorted to self-protection, hiring private security and erecting gates.
Residents are urgently calling on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Commissioner of Police Ebenezer Shawulu Danmamman to address the situation. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, could not confirm the crime surge.
Hyelsinta Hassan