IGP, save Ibadan from miscreants

I write as a concerned citizen to bring the dastardly brigandage that is being steadily unleashed on innocent and well-meaning Nigerian citizens in Oyo state by a gang of militants popularly known as the “One Million Boys” to your kind attention.

The nefarious activities of this gang has continued unchecked for months, driving the residents of the Kudeti, Idi Aro, Foko and other areas into mortal fear of impending attacks by this dangerous gang.

Just last week, particularly on Monday, 6th December at about 6pm, the gang descended on Foko area for about five hours; razing eight cars, scores of motorcycles and killing a number of people and looting about 50 shops without any intervention from the Oyo state Police Command despite the overwhelming SOS calls to the police for help.

Report has it that an individual lost an arm in the melee. The arm was reportedly cut off by members of the group who had the temerity to return the arm to the owner the following day, as confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu

On Thursday, 8th December, the gang again descended on the community, killing at least three people.

We have been reliably informed that the police men at Idi Aro police station know where the hooligans hibernate.  What is abundantly clear is that not much is being seen to be done by the police to arrest this situation, which leads every sane person to wonder, if not conclude that the Oyo State Police command, under the current Commissioner of Police, is aiding or abetting these crimes against humanity.

Already, there have been calls by citizens urging the people of Ibadan to start considering the option of engaging other militant groups and organisations such as the OPC, the Agbekoyas, etc., whom they somehow believe would arrest the situation, to help secure the communities in question. This development, as you must know, would only lead to a free for all and eventually, a breakdown of law and order.

We urge you sir, to use your kind office to address this situation urgently to avert an imminent break down of law and order in the hitherto peaceful Oyo State.

• Tope Fagbamigbe, Ibadan.