Residents of Benin City, the Edo State capital, now live in fear following the upsurge of jewelry robbers who snatch gold necklaces from them and, in some cases, shoot their victims.
Eyewitnesses said the gang of robbers, who are yet to be apprehended, are heavily armed with AK-47 assault rifles and drive a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Penultimate week, a Europe-based businessman simply identified as Derick was shot dead by suspected armed robbers in broad daylight. His gold necklace, said to be worth N50 million, was snatched before he was shot.
It was learnt that the gunmen emerged from their vehicle and confronted the businessman, demanding that he hand over his jewelry to them.
When he reportedly resisted, the assailants shot him in both legs before taking off with the prized necklace.
Passersby rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Also, at De-limited, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the Benin metropolis, the robbers struck on Monday evening when they pulled up beside a pedestrian wearing jewelry before violently snatching her gold bracelets.
Another victim, Sarah Iguodalo, said she stopped wearing any jewellery after she was attacked in the Iyaro area of Benin.
She said, “They pulled up beside me at Iyaro Junction, pointed a gun at my face and demanded my chain. Before I could speak, they cut it off and sped away.
“We can’t even wear our wedding rings anymore. The city is under siege and we’re afraid to walk freely,” she said.
The police command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said investigations have commenced to track down the culprits.
“We are on the trail of the suspects and will ensure they are brought to justice,” Yamu said.
