From Chris Obiemeyengo, Editor in Chief, ZN Nationale
Struggling widow robbed, House set Ablaze!
In less than two weeks, a particular set of robbers have invaded a
section of the Asaba Capital City of Delta State. The district so
described as a combination of St Bright’s Secondary School, Institute
of Continued Education and Ojugbana Drive has within this short period
experienced over ten armed robbery life threatening incidents.
As at
3.30am of Wednesday 11th may, 2016, on the spot reports made available
to Chris Obiemeyengo, Editor in Chief, ZN Nationale, a Delta based
newspaper with focus on anti corruption and community watch, revealed
that a house belonging to a widow was robbed and set ablaze by the
intruders. This unfortunate incident is said to be the second time the
widow has been violently attacked in less than two weeks. In the first
instance, the robbers were noted to have successfully taken away all
valuables including telephone handsets, electronic gadgets, cash etc.
On this repeat attack of last night, residents of the apartment
including the widow were said to have passionately appealed to the
robbers that they had nothing at home given that they were just
recovering from losses incurred in the last incident. According to an
insider, it was at this point that the robbers feigned anger and set
ablaze the widow’s house. Although all the security agencies in Asaba
responded to the distress call including volunteers of Asaba Community
policing but the intruders narrowly escaped as a stolen laptop was
dropped whist the security agents gallantly tried to capture one of
the robbers.
Sadly, efforts by the officers of the fire service to put
off the blaze were unsuccessful as the house had been burnt from
bottom to roof. This particular widow, according a resident is yet to
recover from the loss of her husband, an immigration officer whom was
mysteriously killed in service at Imo state command, few years ago.
The said house which is situated by Allanah Charity Day care centre at
the end of Ojugbana drive, off Ezenei Avenue is now a shadow of
itself. Furthermore, Information made available to Zion newspaper
revealed that about two weeks before this dastardly incident, the
residence of a former honourable member of the Delta State House of
Assembly in the neighbourhood was robbed and the next week, the home
of a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police was also invaded. It is
highly doubtful that these incidents were not duly reported to the
authorities given the status of the persons affected but it is obvious
that appropriate actions are yet to be taken.
Residents of the
community disclosed to Zion Newspapers that few years ago, the
Nigerian police had a standby vehicle at the junction of Ojugbana
Drive and within the said period, there were low incidents of robbery.
However, with the near absence of police in the area and regular
attacks by armed robbers, the residents of the community have now
called on the Delta state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in his capacity
as the Chief Security Officer of the State to assist the police
Authorities in erecting a permanent police post in the highly
populated area as this will restore safety and enhance response time.
In addition, the Residents appealed to the State Government and kind
spirited individuals to visit some form of reasonable compassion on
the distressed widow and her children in order to grant them a new
lease of life after the many tragedies they have faced in such a short
period. The information provided herein are a summary of views of
Residents, reports of eye witnesses and suggestions regarding the
incident. It is expected that the Delta State Public Relations Officer
will provide the official position of the authorities on this
detestable event.