The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, has tasked security agencies in the state to, without wasting more time, deploy their officers and necessary strategies to tackle the menace of security breaches.
The union made this declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress.
The communiqué, prepared by the trio of Seye Ojo (Chairman), Sola Obidahunsi (Secretary), and Khalid Imran (Member), was made available to DAILY POST on Saturday by the NUJ Secretary, Sola Oladapo.
The NUJ, in the communiqué, observed that there is an increase in the rate at which small groups of armed robbers have been attacking people at gunpoint between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital.
The union specifically mentioned that the crime rate has increased in areas such as Mokola Roundabouts and Sabo axis, Queen Elizabeth Road, Anfaani Junction, and Iyaganku.
It also noted that there have been cases where phones and other items were forcefully collected from unsuspecting passengers at gunpoint.
The union further maintained that some commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, are being used to rob people.
The union then appealed to security agencies to take appropriate steps by deploying necessary strategies to tackle the menace. It also enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant.
Additionally, the union raised concerns about the state of the morgue at the State Hospital, Adeoyo, Off Ring Road, Ibadan, describing it as appalling and a potential health hazard that could lead to an outbreak of diseases in the vicinity of the hospital.
The communiqué stated: “There is an increase in the rate at which small groups of armed robbers have been attacking people at gunpoint between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in some identified parts of Ibadan, especially Mokola Roundabouts and Sabo axis, Queen Elizabeth Road, Anfaani Junction, and Iyaganku.
“There have been cases where phones and other items were forcefully collected from unsuspecting passengers at gunpoint. The congress noted that some commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, are being used to rob people. Motorcycles, known as Okada, and taxis are no exceptions.
“The congress called on security agencies to take appropriate measures by deploying strategies to tackle this menace that is rearing its ugly head.
“The congress also enjoined members of the public to be vigilant. It appealed to the authorities of the Park Management System (PMS) to set up a task force that will work with security agencies to arrest the growing situation. The Oyo State Government should also address the problem of streetlights on Queen Elizabeth Road, as spots including the frontage of UCH are always dark at night.
“There is an influx of young people from the North to Ibadan. It was observed that upon their arrival, they were being given motorcycles and Micra vehicles, especially in the Ojoo area. Security agencies should investigate this situation and take proactive steps.
“Congress noted that the state of the morgue at the State Hospital, Adeoyo, Off Ring Road, Ibadan, is appalling. There is no regular power supply to the mortuary, making the stench from the facility very worrisome.
“If care is not taken, this could lead to an outbreak of diseases in the vicinity of the hospital. The congress, however, urged the Oyo State Hospital Management Board and Ministry of Health to intervene and take necessary action.”