Residents of Minna and its environs have blamed the Niger State Government and Security agencies for their inability to tackle constant youth restiveness resulting in the loss of lives and properties in the state.
The activities of criminal youths who have been terrorizing the state capital have continued unabated but resulted in the killing of five persons and severe injuries
Media Talk Africa learnt the restive youths including underage children carry out their operations along various streets of the metropolis without hindrance from government or security personnel.
The major areas of their operations include Limawa and Obasanjo complex, Ogbomosho, Lagos Street, Mobile Roundabout to Keterin Gwari, Barkin Sale and Soje ‘A’.
Others are Angwan Daji, Bosso, Angwan Roka, Dusen Kura Gwari as well as Tunga and Maitumbi areas, which they allegedly mostly use as their hideouts.
Some of the residents alleged that the youths have continued their operations openly without fear on a daily basis without interference from security operatives.
They also claim that even when arrested by the police, the criminals were usually granted bail due to political and selfish reasons through the help of some personalities in the state to the detriment of innocent citizens.
The residents who did not want their names in print told Media Talk Africa, “We are calling on the state government, politicians, businessmen and traditional rulers to look into this issue before it gets out of hand. We can’t be suffering from banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling among others and now youth restiveness, this is not good for the state”.
However, confirming the development in the state capital, the State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun revealed that about 37 suspects have been arrested involved in the incidents.
He also claimed that the command had responded to the incidents, adding that the situation is currently being reviewed towards finding a lasting solution to thuggery and robbery in Minna and its environs.
