CRIME ESCALATES IN CALABAR WITH ‘SCOLOMBO’ BOYS

Incessant robbery attacks have been on the increase in recent times in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as hoodlums employ the use of guns, machetes and other dangerous weapons to wreck havoc on residents.

The known peace, which gave it the world acclaimed ‘paradise city’ nickname is threatened as daredevils criminals go on rampage, killing and looting.
The dreaded criminal group goes by the name, ‘Scolombo’ boys with over 200 members spread across the state capital.
As a result of their notorious activities, it was gathered that residents have been having sleepless nights just as they had been gnashing their teeth, over untold pains brought to them by the hoodlums who operate almost on a daily basis.
Further investigations reveal that residents have also, suddenly turned into watchdogs of their domains to avoid being taken unawares as usual, by the hoodlums who carry out their nefarious activities at any time of the day.

For some residents who could not afford to employ the services of security agents to guard their homes, they have resorted to erecting high fences and also, stationing security dogs to watch to help out.
Calabar, the country’s’ haven, where influx of tourists and other fun lovers from within and outside the country trooped in to spend holidays, enjoy the rich cultural heritage, savor the delicious cuisines of the people of the state, and also catch the glimpse of some alluring sites of the state such as; the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Akpokim Water Falls, Affi Walk-way among others is now under threat as residents moan their daily ordeals in the hands of criminals.

The notorious 'scolombo' boys, it was gathered are between the ages of 18 to 25 and carry out their activities in groups, as gathered.

A resident, David Okom, 28, lamented that the high rate of crime has been giving him sleepless nights for the two months now, as he had to turn himself to a security man to police his compound of over twenty tenants.

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Fadairo however has said that the police had swung into action to curtail the high level of crime
The CP, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar on Monday during an update on the current security situation in the state, maintained that over 95 criminals were under the police custody.

While parading the suspects who were arrested and detained in connection with various crimes, the CP noted that proactive measures have been put in place to stem the recent upsurge of crime. He promised that the command is not relenting in its efforts to check the excesses of hoodlums and create conducive environment by the collaboration and partnership of other security agencies.  Increase in visibility policing, intensive foot and vehicular patrols, sustained raiding of black spots, use of informants, community initiatives, surveillance are also being adopted.



From
Kanjal Godshield Kanjal, Calabar