The once peaceful town of Igbe, under Igbogbo town in Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, has been gripped by a wave of criminal activities, shattering its peace and security. Initially known for minor house burglaries and occasional livestock thefts, the town has now fallen victim to more brazen and organized forms of burglary, instilling fear and uncertainty among its residents. This fear keep increasing at an alarming rate everyday.
In the past, the modus operandi of burglars involved cutting window nets and using makeshift tools to pilfer items such as phones from homes, as well as stealthily making off with goats and rams under the cover of the night. However, the situation took a darker turn with the onset of kidnappings, which shook the community to its core.
Despite the harrowing period of kidnappings, concerted efforts from local residents and law enforcement agencies led to a semblance of relief as incidents died a natural death. However, the tranquility was short-lived as a new wave of burglaries, perpetrated by groups known as “baban boolas” and scavengers, emerged. These criminals now target newly constructed homes, stripping them of valuable materials such as aluminum, metals, and electrical cables even to as far as Gerald roofings.
The severity of the situation became evident when a house on community road in Banana Estate was stripped bare, with even parts of its roofing materials carted away. Such audacious acts have left residents questioning their safety and contemplating relocation, as even well-fortified homes are not immune to these attacks at night, some months back Car batteries and Generators were their target in mostly well fenced houses.
Commercial establishments have also borne the brunt of these burglaries, with shops being looted of large quantities of goods. The recent theft of 80 kegs of oil from a prominent oil seller in Igaramode very close to Laara garage, despite the presence of security measures such as CCTV cameras just opposite, not to talk of the presence of security guards, highlights the brazenness and efficiency of the perpetrators. The biggest surprise to everyone was the daring way more than 3 scores bags of Rice was stolen from a shop opposite the LG primary school in Ipeti Oloja. Something needs to be done quickly to prevent people relocating out of igbe because of fear.
The escalation of criminal activities has prompted calls for more robust law enforcement measures, with proposals for the establishment of a police command in Igbe gaining ground. The recent deployment of the Regionaire, led by Commander Gabriel Adetomiwa, at Anuoluwapo junction undrr Ifelagba CDA, has provided some relief to residents, but surely temporary.
As the community braces for the impending visit of Alayeluwa the Kabiesi Oba Orimadegun Kasali, hopes are pinned on the traditional leadership to bring about peace and security into the igbe community. However, lasting solutions to the town’s woes lie in concerted efforts to enforce existing rules and regulations, as evidenced by the short-lived success of recent attempts to curb the activities of “baban boolas.”
In essence, the challenges facing Igbe necessitate a multifaceted approach that addresses underlying social, economic, and security issues like finding ways to get the youth employed and not to be roaming about the igbe silent streets in the afternoon and evening, they need to get themselves gainfully employed as my late Daddy used to tell us in those days in Fadeyi, so as to restore the town to its former state of tranquility and security.
