The Campaign for Democracy (CD), South-East has urged Gov. Peter Obi to step-up security patrol and surveillance within Onitsha and its environs.
“There is a renewed wave of criminality and activities of hoodlums and gangsters in Onitsha and its environs, which had heightened criminal and terrorizing activities in the commercial city,’’ CD said in a statement on Friday.
The statement, which was issued to newsmen by CD in Onitsha, Anambra, was signed by Dede Uzor A. Uzor, Chairman, CD South-East Region.
“There was a recent attacking of three police and killing of two of the policemen on duty by motorcycle robbers, popularly known as okada at Niger Street, Fegge near Main Market, Onitsha.
“On May 3, a lady was ganged raped opposite 15 Orlu Street, Fegge near former Onitsha South Council secretariat.
“A journalist, name withheld, was also shot on his left leg three days ago along Awka Road, Onitsha
“And also a school-girl (17) was robbed of her phone as well as N15,000 at Scout-white Street, Fegge.
“And generally, there had been some okada riders, who specialize in robbing with their motorcycle at the night hours in Onitsha and its environs especially at major bus stops.
“Likewise, there has been increased thug and hoodlum activities in most parks in Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha were three lives were lost of recent. And guns and other dangerous weapons freely used; thus making bloodletting a common scenario.
“While unsuspecting travelers are robbed of their valuables when such hoodlum activities leads to clash between rival thugs or youth groups in Onitsha and its environs,’’ it said.
CD call on Gov. Obi to direct the police and other law enforcement agencies to enforce the disbanding of okada riding after 7p.m. in Onitsha and its environs.
“There should be more plain-cloth policemen and law enforcement operatives in Onitsha and its environs in order to identify and track-down these few people trying to bring down the peace and security existing in the commercial city,’’ CD advised.
