THE rise in armed robbery incidents in various parts of Lagos suburbs and the tardy police’s response to distress calls when attacked have compelled some wealthy individuals to resort to firearm acquisition for self-defence.
Part 11, (6) of the Firearms Act, states: “No person shall within Lagos have in his possession or under his control a muzzle-loading firearm without a licence from the Inspector-General of Police.
Part 2 (7) section (2) states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, no licence or permit under the provisions of this Act shall be granted if there is reason to believe that the applicant or holder of the licence is under the age of seventeen; of unsound mind; not fit to have possession of the firearm in question on account of defective eyesight; or if a person is of intemperate habits, etc.
But investigation by The Guardian revealed that many persons who acquired the arms do so illegally and those who lack the means to purchase the product, which least cost is said to be N25,000 (excluding bullets or ammunition) for a locally made shotgun, patronize native doctors (babalawos), who have cashed in on the increasing fear to be peddling their talisman, which they claimed could ward off armed robbers or make them incapable of escape from the home they have robbed.
In some of the suburbs like Odogunyan an outskirt of Ikorodu; and other areas which include Ijegemo, Aberoje, Ajagbandi and others, residents disclosed that they resorted to self-defense because they have learnt from experience that it does not always pay to have the false hope that the police would defend them in the night when they are under attack.
A community leader, who recently got an imported double barrel at a cost of N150,000, without police approval, said he decided to do so because of the terrible experience he encountered when robbers came to his house.
According to him, the robbers, numbering eight, forced themselves into his house by breaking the door with a sledgehammer.
“I phoned the police even when they had not started breaking the door and for several hours, the police did not come. If I had a gun, I would have defended myself even when they had entered my house. There was no electricity. Everywhere was dark but I saw them clearly from where I hid myself at a corner in my house. It was when they pointed their gun at my son’s head and threatened to shoot him if my wife refuses to give them money that I came out of my hiding place.
“Another gang came again within two months and the police did not come on time to rescue us. So, I decided to arm myself in readiness for another attack in the future,” he declared, adding “we landlords in this area and other communities have resorted to self-defense. Enough is enough.”
He disclosed that he decided to procure the gun illegally because his attempt to obtain it through the police was frustrated by the cumbersome process and the bribes involved.
When reminded of the penalty for illegal possession of firearm, he said he prefers to possess a defence against armed robbers’ attack and face the wrath of the law if eventually he is caught by the law enforcement agents.
Armed robbers’ attacks on communities in Lagos have actually been rampant.
For instance, at Odogunyan in Ikorodu, armed thieves killed a 33-year-old man, who had no money to offer them. Many other residents were also injured.
The victims who reside at No. 4, Olu Fagbayide street, said the robbers numbering five, stormed their building at early morning hours and carried out a room-to room operation, dispossessing them of cash, telephone sets and other valuables.
One of them (victims) was hit with the butt of a gun after telling the invaders that he had no money. But when they threatened to shoot him, his wife, said to have hidden under the bed, reportedly rushed out and surrendered N15,000.
However, when they got to 33-year-old Kingsley Nnamdi’s apartment, he reportedly pleaded with them to spare his life, explaining that he had been laid off from work. But his plea fell on deaf ears as one of the bandits shot him in the chest, saying he was wasting their time.
Another incident was at Ijaniki, also a Lagos suburb. Residents said they were living in fear following incessant attacks. They said no week passes without robbers visiting the area.
Ejike Okoye, a victim, said he had been robbed twice in his apartment.
“We reported the incident at the police station, Ijaniki and they (police) assured us of arresting the robbers, but no arrest had been made,” he stated.
Chukwudi Akulo said he escaped death by the whiskers the last time the robbers stormed his apartment.
“When they came at 2am, they discovered that my metal doors were all locked. They came to the window of my bedroom and ordered me to open my door. I refused and switched-off the light, I didn’t know that they had a touch light. They pointed it at my face threatening to shoot if I don’t open my door. They pointed a shotgun at me and fired a shot that hit the wall of my bedroom. I became scared and I opened the door.
“They beat the hell out of me and took all my money, mobile phones and a wristwatch. Since then, I no longer sleep in my apartment because I don’t know when next they would come again,” he lamented.
In Bariga, armed thieves, numbering 15, at about 4.30am, held some occupants of a house on Oreofero Street hostage.
An eyewitness, Mr. Kunle Oloyede, said he nearly ran into the robbers, as he wanted to do ablution preparatory for morning prayer.
He said: “I came out from my shop where I had spent the night to make ablution before saying my morning prayer. They went from room to room, demanding money, beating and inflicted severe injuries on their victims with machetes even as they shot sporadically into the air. That was not the only time they have attacked the place.”
Robbers also attacked Akinyele Street, Aguda, shooting as if it was war. An eyewitness said the police, who came to the area in their van abandoned it and ran for their lives.
The Lagos State government’ in a drastic measure to stem the disturbing trend, banned motorcycles used for commercial purposes (Okada).
Some Community Development Associations (CDAs) also introduced community-based vigilance groups and set up information centres at several points to provide information on suspected robbers. Yet, robbery incidents keep increasing.
Source: Guardian
