I almost concluded that bank cum
highway robbery had become a thing of the past in every facet of Nigeria not
until two weeks back when I was proven wrong by the unspeakable that befell the
country.
In
the period in review – precisely on Thursday 5th April 2018 – in
broad daylight, a gang of well armed robbers serially invaded five different
commercial banks alongside a micro-finance bank in Offa town situated in Kwara
State, the home state of the country’s number three citizen Sen. Bukola Saraki.
The
affected financial institutions included Eco, Guaranty Trust, First, Union, and
Zenith banks. The firms weren’t just invaded but were equally robbed by the
invaders. In the process, many were reportedly murdered, several individuals
maimed and injured while others managed to escape for their dear lives. It’s
noteworthy that some of the police personnel on duty were part of those brutally
killed.
It was gathered that the culprits’
ammunition outshined that of the policemen guarding the various banks.
According to the ugly report, the robbers were said to be armed with firearms
like machine gun, magazine and other related weapons whereas the police
officers could at most boast of AK-47 and its likes.
The
police had informed that thus far some of the criminals had been apprehended as
the government had vowed to ensure that every person involved in the dastardly
act is duly arrested and prosecuted without much ado. This implies that as
other suspects are still at large, there’s apparently no hidden place for each
of them.
It
is indeed hard to believe that in the contemporary Nigerian society, six
different financial institutions were successfully invaded and robbed in broad
daylight by a certain group of miscreants. It becomes more mind-boggling when
realized that the disaster took place in an era when the apex government had
ostensibly considered security as priority.
Whatever the case might be, it’s
pertinent to painstakingly dissect the Offa incident towards reaching a
tangible conclusion. Every discerning mind would comprehend that the affected
firms were not robbed simultaneously. It is also very crucial to take into
cognizance that we are currently passing through a digital age; an era when
even a kid could easily assess telecommunication; a period that makes a
distance amounting to various kilometres seem so short.
The above paragraph is trying to notify
us that the concerned security outfits were so sluggish or reluctant towards responding
to the robbery attack. Let’s assume the security men on duty were overpowered
as claimed. But it will be difficult to assume or believe, as the case may be,
that the various security authorities domiciled in the affected state were
equally engulfed by the attacked.
For six banks to be robbed one after
the other is enough indication that there is a serious lapse as regards
curtailing the numerous lingering security challenges not just in Kwara but
across the lengths and breadth of Nigeria. The pace in which the police respond
to distress call is exactly where the Nigeria’s worry lies.
However, since apportioning blames cannot
solve our plight or would rather result in further crisis, there’s need for us
to focus on the way forward. It is indisputable that no existing bank in
Nigeria lacks the CCT camera, hence the need for us to concur with the
government’s avowal that there’s no hidden place for the culprits.
Though the said device would serve as
an aid in capturing each of the suspects, those that have already been
apprehended would further assist in providing the consequential details
surrounding the ones still on the run.
More so, for apt deterrent to be
served, adequate prosecution mustn’t be overlooked. The crusade ought not to
stop at just capturing the entire fugitives. The concerned authorities must
further ensure that the jury’s verdict is duly served, and such needn’t be
delayed if we are truly determined to serve a placebo to the people.
Similarly, as we eagerly await justice,
we can’t shy away from asserting that Nigeria is equally deeply worried over
how lowly equipped her security outfits are at the moment. Against this
backdrop, the governments at all levels are required to henceforth lay emphasis
on how best the personnel that have been mandated to safeguard the people’s
lives and property can be armed with a view to rendering effective and
efficient services in their respective jurisdictions.
Above all, the benefitting companies
must on their part endeavour to materially, and otherwise, support the security
outfits – particularly the police – so there won’t be any room for excuse when
any unfortunate/unforeseen circumstance befalls them. They shouldn’t leave all
responsibilities for the government, because the latter cannot handle it alone.
It
is part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) of these firms, especially
the financial ones that are more in need of security services, to from time to
time extend hands of fellowship to the law enforcement agencies in question,
mainly in the area of equipment procurement and workers’ incentives.
It’s therefore needless to reiterate
that all hands are expected to be on deck towards boosting the country’s
security system. Think about it!
Comrade Fred Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
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Twitter: @mediambassador
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