Business owners traumatised as robbery persists

The persistent robbery in Festac has left business owners traumatised amidst fear of uncertainty.

Business owners on 71 and 24 roads are constantly worried about the high level of vandalism.

Many have described the year 2022 as horrible, noting that the shoddy security in the area has led to frequent robberies.

One of the victims, Ezinne Brown, whose clothing store was raided in the early hours of Sunday, April 17, 2022, recalled her ordeal.

“At about 4:00 am, my neighbor called me to inform me that thieves broke into my store. They cut the keys, went in, and took their time. They made away with all my goods, worth over 11 million Naira,” Brown said.

She stated the robbery incident was reported to the police, who claimed they needed a suspect to begin an investigation.

“My sister had made a report, and they asked if I had any suspects. I stated that I had no suspects, and they stated that if I did not have any suspects, there was nothing they could do. That is the situation right now,” she said.

It’s been two months since Mrs. Sophie Makinde’s fabric store was raided, but recovering from her losses has been difficult. She said that after her store was left empty, friends and business associates came to her aid to keep her business afloat.

“People sent me some clothes, so my shop won’t be empty. That’s how bad it is. This is a business that has grown, and someone came in one night and stole everything. I wish they would stop with me, but it persists. It is now the order of the day. May God help us to curb it.”

She recounted that the robbery incident that happened in the early hours of Monday is traumatizing for her to this day. “I have flashbacks on Monday mornings, no matter how hard I try,” she said.

Mrs. Chi Favour is also a victim whose provision store is along 71st Road. She claimed the grace of God has kept her business afloat since her store was vandalized 2 months ago. She also expressed how traumatizing the robbery incident is.

“I go home afraid another robbery might occur. It is not a good feeling.”

She also said the robbery incident was reported to the police but no arrests had been made. However, she has handed the incident over to God.

Victor, son of Mrs. Favour, blamed the constant robbery on the lack of security in the area. He pleaded with the government to fortify Festac town as he believes this will deter criminals.

All efforts to speak with John Honesty, who is the Chief Security Officer of the community, were to no avail.