The near absence of police operatives on the streets of Abuja is causing tension amongst residents who are worried over the ugly development, sequel to the recent #EndSARS protest.
The protest which initially started peacefully, was later hijacked by hoodlums, who see such avenue as an opportunity to loot and destroy lives as well as property in the nation’s capital and other parts of the country with Lagos worst hit.
The Nigeria Police which has the constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, became victim of the violent protest with some police stations and vehicles razed down with no fewer than 22 police personnel killed.
For the fear of not been victim of the # ENDSARS protest, there has been tactical withdrawal of police from the major streets and roads of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) forcing residents to be worried about their safety and security.
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In Kubwa for instance, the absence of police at key junctions and flashpoints were palpable, a situation attributed to the activities of hoodlums, who broke the NYSC Camp and carted away with items.
Also in the heat of the protest, an #ENDSARS protester, Anthony Onome, was stabbed by thugs in Kubwa and died after he was rushed to the National Hospital.
Speaking on the present situation a trader, Mike Ade told Businessday that the situation calls for a serious concern from the police authority as the absence of polic on the streets would breed more insecurity.
He lamented that the current security situation in the country was fast dwindling, stating that it has forced him and others to close their shops early enough so they could get home on time to avoid being robbed or attacked.
“Another troubling concern, for instance, is that there are no traffic policemen at major streets and junctions in Kubwa, one of the satellite towns in Abuja. Even where you have them stationed, their non-challant attitude about traffic control comes to question.
“The situation is even worse in the night” observed a civil servant who simply gave his name as Nta. He said he usually comes late at night because of the nature of his work and has keenly poluce absence unlike before. He pointed out that the situation would invariably led to an upsurge in criminal activities, especially in the night” he lamented.
Alao at the Nyanya flyover, the police presence is no longer as visible as it used to be before the #ENDSARS protest.
