General News of 2012-10-05

Abelenkpe, Dzowulu residents terrorised by armed gangs

Residents of Abelenpke and Dworwulu in Accra are living in terror following a series of armed robbery attacks in the neighborhood.

They claim the robberies have been going on for the past seven to eight months with little or no security at all in the area.

One of the victims said their lifestyles had changed drastically because of the insecurity in the area.

“There is no more exercise in the mornings,” he said in a muffled voice, fearing the armed robbers will come again for revenge.

Another lady, whose shop was raided in one of the attacks in broad day light told Joy News she has been living in fear ever since.

According to her, one of the robbers broke into the shop - whilst another waited on a motorbike - and made away with her phone, her laptop and sales she had made for the day.

According to her, they lodged a complaint with the police but nothing has come out of it.

The attacks, the victims said, take place every time of the day. But the police have denied the claims by the residents.

District Police Commander Supt. Felix Apedo said the police have increased patrols in the vicinity.

“We are doing something. We have intensified patrols. We have added additional ones. We have snap checks and have decided to meet resident associations [to discuss security matters],” he stated.

“We are reassuring them that we will intensify patrols, snap checks and other things,” he stated.