Boko Haram is a name synonymous with wanton terror and unbridled fear in Nigeria. It has been adopted by a local gang that is living up to everything it represents, causing local communities to live in sheer torment.
The group initially operated in New Crossroads and has now reared its ugly head in KTC.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said there are signs the group has strongly infiltrated KTC.
He said crime in the area was out of control. This past Saturday (23 August) the group announced its arrival in the area by writing its name on Mjodo Street, fuelling panic and anxiety. The leader appealed to the community to stand up and unite against the group. He also urged police to intervene urgently before things spiralled out of control.
“We received a report that Mjodo Street in KTC has the name Boko Haram. When we went there to check we saw it with our own eyes. It worries us because it means no-one is safe here and more people are going to die.” The leader said the name was written just in front of the shack where two people were gunned down almost three weeks ago. (“Two people gunned down in KTC”, City Vision, 14 August).
Another community leader, who also refused to have his name published for fear of harassment, said the whole ward was dominated by the group. He said this was an extension of a challenge faced by the New Crossroads community.
“There are some yards in New Crossroads that have been sprayed with the word Boko Haram. This has been happening for over a year now. Rumours are circulating that if someone removes the writing gang members kill the entire family. All the marked homes are under their control,” he explained.
He said they have spoken to the police about the challenge and urged the government to deploy additional officers.
Provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie said police were aware of different groupings that terrorise and extort residents and businesses in various communities. “These groupings are constantly monitored, and various arrests have been made to remove these elements from the streets in endeavours to safeguard communities. We appeal to members of communities to report any form of criminal activities to the local police stations.”
Pojie said these areas were often flooded with reinforcement from specialised units and additional forces, such as Shanela 2, Operation Restore and Anti-Gang Unit. He said they were also collaborating with Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Service to make a notable impact on crime.
“We encourage members of the community to work closely with community-safety structures such as the community policing forum, neighbourhood watches and sector-crime forums,” Pojie appealed.
