The yuletide season is here again. While some citizens of our beloved country are striving hard by going out of their way to ensure they put a smile on the faces of their loved ones this season, some greedy Nigerians who believe in the “”get rich quick” syndrome, are equally striving hard to make some innocent citizens unhappy.
For about 30 minutes yesterday, armed robbers, dressed in Army camouflage uniform went on rampage along Pasalli area (after Izom) in Gurara local council of Niger State.
They attacked a Police officer and travellers on the road on a spot located not too far from an Army check-point in Maje, Suleja, near the Federal Capital Teritory, Abuja.
According to The Nigerian Compass, one of the victims, a police officer, Usman Abdullahi from Suleja ‘A’ Division said that the three-man armed robbery gang were well kitted in Army gear.
According to Usman, “the robbers were less than four kilometres from the Army check point (in Maje)”.
When they stopped our vehicle, they shot into the air, and asked every one of us to come out and bring out all our money and phones. “
“They slapped me and asked if there are soldiers along the road while we were coming, I told them no. They took my phones and money tore my clothes. Vehicles on both sides were reversing but I calmed them and quickly ran into the bush because I feared they were going to kill me,” he said.
According to some eye witnesses, while vehicles and commuters waited patiently for the Police to intervene, the Niger State Vigilante group who have only been approved by an act of the state assembly drove in with about 10 men armed with guns and machetes.
In less than five minutes the robbers ran into the bush.
The PPRO, Niger State Command, Mr Pius Edobor, during a telephone interview with The Compass reporter, said the Gurara Divisional Police Officer had been contacted and expedited action will be taken on the matter.