Hard times: Robbers, Beggars on the Prowl in Osun

In what seems to be the effect of economic recession, many people have turned to begging and robbery as a means of livelihood in Osun state.

While begging is no longer new, especially in the last one year when salaries of workers were not being paid regularly, robbery in some major towns in the state have caused panic as people now sleep with their one eye open.

Many of these beggars have chosen Mosques as their target places, approaching worshipers after two and four prayers.

The common lie most of the beggars adopt is that they came from another state, but did not meet the person they came to visit, thereby begging for money to go back to ‘their states.’

Investigation by our correspondent also revealed that young boys and girls have barricaded the streets of Osogbo, the state capital, with bags strapped to their backs, demanding help from whoever they met on the road.

Many workers can no longer hide their sufferings and, therefore, approach people on the road and religious centres, begging for alms.

The peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the past is now being affected by these gentlemen who have caused panic and forced each street to employ night guards no matter what it takes to get money to pay such guards.

The state that was rated to be one of the most peaceful in the country is now presently experiencing hard times.

Shop burgling, phone and car-snatching are now the order of the day in the state.

Recently, some suspected robbers barricaded some major streets in Osogbo, dispossessing people of their property.

A community leader in Rinsayo Area, Osogbo, who asked not to be named in print, told our correspondent that robbers invaded their street and killed a night guard, popularly called Agbaje, in order to be able to operate freely.

He said the robbers have also written a letter to them to notify them of their intension to storm the street in days to come.

He said the community had, therefore, visited Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Director of State Security (DSS), Office of the Governor, and the police for help.

He, however, appealed to other security officials to rescue them from the robbers that had been terrorizing their area.

Source: Blueprint