The popular Igbudu market in Warri was last weekend invaded by suspected cult gangs, leaving the town hall damaged and windscreen of vehicles shattered.
The invasion which was said to be a renewed attack in the area by criminal groups, sent shivers down the spine of the community dwellers as they run for their dear lives.
A total of four cars packed in the area were destroyed by the rampaging cult members who dared anyone to challenge them.
One of the victims whose car was destroyed, said he parked his car at the compound “close to the community hall after off-loading his goods and entered into the market and in less than five minutes”, he was informed that the windscreen of his car has been destroyed.
He lamented a situation where such level of destruction could take place when soldiers are stationed in strategic positions to guard the market.
The victim said, “l wonder how such damage could be done when there are soldiers in the market. This development has shown that the market needs more soldiers on standby to avoid reoccurrence.
“I do not see why people doing their legitimate business could be disturbed in this manner, even when the market is government owned; so what warranted such level of destruction? Too bad!”
Another victim of the carnage said he parked his car in the compound and went into the market and suddenly, he discovered that “people were running in all directions”, and a few minutes later, his car windscreen was destroyed.
When contacted, the eldest man in the community, Hon. Power Bagor said he was not aware of the invasion that left cars and the community town hall destroyed, but however said he saw people running while he was seated at the gate of his house.
The President of Igbudu Market, Olorogun Clement Tevwaren, said the invasion of Igbudu Market by hoodlums is not new to the market. He said the soldiers in the market are primed to be on alert to ensure hoodlums are kept at bay, but wondered why the invasions have continued.
Mr. Teywaren revealed that several security meetings were held with the Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Hon. Michael Tidi over the invasions.
He alleged that the boys committing the havocs are from the community, but the fear of reprisal attack has prevented the people from exposing the hoodlums.
The Nation