By Sade Adewale, Ondo, Kayode Afolabi, Ore,
Esther Edokhagba, Adewunmi Adewale & Rejoice Opeyemi

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As Christmas and the New Year festivals approach, residents of Ondo State have raised alarm over incessant robbery attacks.

The Hope learnt that houses and shops burgling as well as petty robbery have been on the rise in the last few weeks even as the economic situation of the country worsens.

We also gathered that cases of robbery were reported in various areas including, Ore, Ondo, Oba-Ile, Aiyedun Quarters, Kajola, Ondo road and other areas.

In Akure, the State capital, a trader who identified herself as Mrs. Rose at Adebowale said she woke to see her shop burgled and several of her goods carted away.

A resident and former Landlord’s Association Chairman of Adebowale area, Mr. Olanrewaju Oluwateru told The Hope that robbery attacks had been on the rise in the area in recent time.

A robbery victim at Oba Ile, Mr Tope Komolafe informed The Hope that his shop was burgled over night at NTA Road and valuable goods carted away, leaving behind just few items.

Another victim, who is a commercial motorcyclist (Okada rider), Mr John Alade recounted how he was robbed at Ayedun Quarters, Akure, revealing how a robber, pretending to be a customer connived with his gang members to snatch his motorbike on December 19.

Similarly, a local shop owner, Mrs Rachel Akinola was left devastated as thieves burgled her shop and carted away bags of rice, beans, garri, crates of eggs, among others, worth thousands of naira on December 15 at Olufoam area.

A celestial church beside her shop was also looted and the robbers stole spiritual items and money.

Equally, some residents of Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government area of the state expressed their displeasure over cases of robbeeries.

Our correspondent who visited some areas within Ore metropolis gathered that some boutiques and other stores were burgled by unknown persons who carted away wears, shoes and other valuables.

One of the victims, simply identified as Emeka described the development as very sad, stating that robbery has become rampant, especially during this festive season.

His words: “All the wears, i suppose to sell during this festive season were carted away by unknown persons, i am left with only few wears I have at home, it is so pathetic, i must say”.

Also, residents of Temidire street and Barracks road in Ondo city called on security agencies to give them adequate protection following incessant stealings and robbery attacks on them, particularly those living at the new site. They lamented  that robbery attacks on the people living in the areas were becoming a frequent occurrence in recent times, causing panic.

One of the victims that was in court on Tuesday, Mr Agboola Akinnagbe said the robbery attacks on the street were many to the extent that people can no longer leave their homes for fear of being robbed before returning.

He lamented that the incessant attacks on his house alone have made him lost property worth millions of naira to the robbers.

He stated that a letter of protest had been sent to the Ondo State Police Command, Amotekun and other security agencies calling for an urgent action against insecurity in the area.

Also speaking, another victim, Mr Taiwo Temidayo said robbery has been rampant, giving the people a serious concern.

He stated that “it was the bricklayer that was working in his house that called him to come that some people are moving out some things in my apartment.

“After receiving the call, I went to the police to report the case and the suspects were arrested and brought to court for prosecution, Temidayo noted.

In separate inter-views with police at different divisions in the city, they claimed that robbery attacks have reduced in the city unlike before.

They said the security agencies are working assiduously to curb crimes in Ondo and make it crime free city.

The Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, had stated in November that no fewer than 20 Okada riders were killed within the space of three weeks in the state.

 Adeleye said several measures were being implemented to ensure safety of lives and property in the state.