Oyibi residents live in fear as armed robbers have field day
Residents of Oyibi and its environs are living in constant fear following incessant armed robbery attacks in the area.
The police in the area are helpless in dealing with the situation because they do not have the necessary logistics.
In this month alone, 16 robberies have occurred in which two people were shot dead by the armed robbers, but the Oyibi-Frafraha District Police Command does not have a single assault rifle to fight the rising cases of armed robbery attacks.
Threat to flee town
During a visit to the area on Thursday, February 22, 2018, some residents told the Daily Graphic that Oyibi could become a ghost town as scores of people were contemplating leaving the town if the robbery attacks persisted.
Sources at the Oyibi-Frafraha District Police Command told the Daily Graphic that police stations under the command, which are Frafraha, Malejo, Greenfield Station, Apolonia and Oyibi lacked basic logistics to fight crime.
“We do not have a single rifle to fight in the event of an attack,” the sources said and added that the police in the area were themselves afraid of being attacked at any time because of the lack of working tools.
The Daily Graphic learnt that Oyibi has become a safe haven for armed robbers, many of whom have turned bushy areas into dens.
No patrol vehicle
One source said that the only patrol vehicle available to the police command had broken down and questioned why vehicles meant for ‘Operation Calm Life’ that were supposed to be used for operational duties were all parked at the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service in Accra.
“How can you keep those vehicles at the headquarters in Accra, when we rather need them here? We have made several appeals to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), but they are not responding to us,” the source stated.
The source decried inadequate personnel at the various stations to respond to any situation, which had compounded by the lack of logistics.
It said six robberies occurred during last week alone.
“My brother, we are always in fear here oo. We cannot sleep. Can you imagine what would happen to this station when armed robbers attack as they did at the Kwabenya Police Station few weeks ago?” the source stated.
Security tips
Another police officer said in the absence of logistics to contain the armed robbery situation, the police had been embarking on foot patrols and other snap checks, as well as educating the residents on security tips to safeguard their lives and property.
According to the police officer, the command is also helping the communities to establish neighbourhood watch committees to be able to deal with the situation.
“That is how we can help the people in our own small way to also take responsibility for their security. We are currently constrained, as you can see,” the officer told theDaily Graphic.
Residents cry out
Some residents mentioned the Oyibi-Apolonia-Ashaiman and the Ayikuma-Agomeda routes as the worst places of armed robbery attacks.
A trotro driver, Mr Richard Kojo Larweh, said he and many of his colleagues no longer worked late in the night because they were afraid of being attacked.
Writer’s email: sebastian.syme4@graphic.com.gh