iron condenm menace

Community of Ogodio-Axis, Abraka Raises Alarm Over Condemned-Iron Thieves

By Rita Daniel

The Ogodio-Axis community in Abraka, Delta State, has once again been thrown into fear following another reported act of theft by suspected Hausa boys. The incident began when some youths who were allegedly picking condemned iron in the area entered a private house inside the community, with the intention of stealing.

This incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 7th May. A neighbour who lives close to the mansion belonging to Mr. Raphael Uwanoghor, a respected and hardworking Urhuvie indigene based in the United Kingdom, raised the alarm after noticing suspicious movements within the building. The neighbour reported that the boys were inside the mansion even though it was said to be locked.

On hearing the alarm, members of the community quickly rushed to the scene. The suspected thief was apprehended and immediately taken to the Abraka Police Station for further investigation. Community members described the situation as disturbing, especially because the theft attempt happened under tight security conditions around a well-known resident.

According to the confession made by the arrested suspect, two people were involved in the act. He alleged that the second accomplice was hiding inside the ceiling of the house, waiting for an opportunity to strike and escape with stolen items.

Efforts to remove the second suspect from the ceiling reportedly failed for some time. However, after further investigation, it was discovered that the suspect escaped through the roof. In the process, he destroyed portions of the pop ceiling and damaged the expensive roofing sheet, leaving the building with significant harm.

Reacting to the incident, indigenes of Urhuvie Abraka appealed for stronger government action to address the menace. They called on the Delta State government and relevant security agencies to chase away such offenders and prevent a repeat of similar incidents across communities.

The community further expressed concern that these activities do not only cause financial losses to residents, but also destroy properties meant for development. They alleged that the group has been involved in destroying newly built houses and stealing electrical wiring from houses that are still under development.

There were also claims by residents that in some occasions, the suspects have been caught with heads of little children. They urged the authorities to treat the issue with seriousness and implement measures that will curb the recurring criminal behaviour and protect community members.