Armed robbers set community ablaze through their letter to the residents

Residents of Anglican Road, Ilupewo community in Ado-Odo-Otta Local Government Area of Ogun State, have been living in fear after they received letters purportedly from armed robbers.

The letters which were posted on gates and doors on the street, according to Total Media, clearly told the residents of the boundary community between Lagos and Ogun States, to keep Christmas gifts for them as they would be visiting anytime soon.

The letter, according to residents, has forced many residents to desert their homes to avoid being victims when the marauding bandits come calling.

It was gathered that the residents woke up to discover several of such letters posted to their door posts, telling them that the robbers were coming for the operation because of the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities.

The letter which had the following incomplete phone numbers - 0702288949, 080449930 – stressed that they (robbers) didn’t want excuses from residents over non-availability of money at home.

The said letter which was typed in Yoruba language, according to a resident, urged the recipients to ensure they keep money at home always.

Introducing themselves as 'Strong men of the road that own the night', the robbers vowed to deal mercilessly with any resident who claimed he does not have money as advanced notice has been given to prepare them.

A landlord in the area, Femi Martins, said:

“We are used to pilfering in our community, but we woke up on Tuesday morning to see letters posted on our doors.

About 60 houses on Anglican Road had the letters posted on their doorposts. We immediately called a meeting.

We also reported the matter at the Sango Police Station. We want 24 hours police patrol in our community.

We believe that these hoodlums live among us and they can strike any time.”

But the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has, however, told the residents to remain calm as the security operatives are up to the task of dealing with the criminals and on top of the situation while security had been beefed up in the community.

The end of every year often brings with it an upsurge in crime rates as bandits see the period as a time for them to get money to also enjoy themselves.