Harvest of crime in Calabar

…As ‘Scolombo’ boys takes centre stage

KANJAL GODSHIELD KANJAL, Calabar

Incessant robbery attacks had been on the increase in recent times in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as hoodlums have taken on to their guns, machetes and other dangerous weapons re-painting the greenish town black.

The then peaceful city, which attracted the world acclaimed name as the ‘paradise city’ of Nigeria, following its serene environment and natural alluring sites, has recently turned into a criminal den as dare devils are on the rampage, killing and looting properties of residents.

The notorious dare devils go by the name, ‘Scolombo boys.’ The gang has over 200 members spread across the state capital.

As a result of the dreaded activities of the gang, it was gathered that residents have been having sleepless nights just as they had been gnashing their teeth, over untold pains brought to them by the hoodlums who operate almost on a daily basis.

Further investigations reveal that residents have also, suddenly turned into watchdogs of their domains to avoid being taken unawares as usual, by the hoodlums who carry out their nefarious activities both at noon and in the night.

For some residential building owners, who could not afford to employ services of security agents in their homes, they have resorted to erecting high fences and also, stationed security dogs to watch over their yards, as a result of the recent upsurge in criminal activities in the state capital.

Before now, the ‘Paradise City’ was known to be the country’s’ haven, where influx of tourists and other fun lovers from within and outside the country trooped in, to spend holidays, enjoy the rich cultural heritage, savor the delicious cuisines of the people of the state, and also, catch the glimpse of some alluring sites in the state such as; the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Agbokim Water Falls, Affi Walk-way among others.

At present, the reverse is the case as residents narrates their daily ordeals in the hands of criminals.

The notorious ‘scolombo’ boys, it was gathered were between the age brackets of 18 to 25. Also, it was also gathered that the deadly boys carry out their activities in group.

A resident, David Okom, 28, said the high rate of crime had given him sleepless nights for the two months, as he has turned himself to a watchdog of his compound which has over twenty tenants.

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo however has said that the police had swung into action to curtail the high level of crime

The CP, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar during an update on the current security situation in the state, however maintained that over 95 criminals were under the police custody.

While parading the suspects who were arrested and detained in connection with various crimes, the CP added that following the upsurge in crime in the state, he introduced a stop-and-search on vehicle across the state.

According to the CP, “gentlemen of the press, I invite you here this morning to update you on the security situation in the state and the proactive measures put in place to stem the recent upsurge of crime.

The CP added, “the command is not relenting in its efforts to check the excesses of hoodlums and create a conducive environment through collaboration and partnering with other security agencies, increase in visibility policing, intensive foot and vehicular patrols, sustained raiding of black spots, use of informants, community initiatives, surveillance,” he said.

On their part. residents and other victims however expressed their ordeals and experiences in the hands of the criminals.

One of them, Emem Asuquo, 40, said the situation was alarming, calling on the security operatives to be proactive in their bit to combating crime.

He also advised the police administration to empower her officers for optimum result in their primary assignment.

He advised that if the police officers were adequately empowered with good incentives, there would zeal on the part of the officers to work effectively.

One of the victims also said “The rate of robbery is increasing on a daily basis and it seems this criminals have been given the license to operate but i pray the security agents in the state would start doing something to reduce the criminality rate in the state,”