Igbo traders, residents lament burglaries in Bomadi business hub

Traders and residents in the Esenaebe community of Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, are facing a surge in burglaries, with businesses and homes repeatedly targeted.

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My elder brother, Mr Chidi Okoro’s Phone and Accessories shop, was burglarised just last night, and all the goods were stolen. They took all the phones, phone accessories, power banks and other valuable items worth millions of naira.

Igbo business owners, operating in the Bomadi-Overside commercial center, expressed deep concern over the persistent attacks. Emmanuel Okoro, a trader, reported that his brother's phone and accessories shop was burgled for the third time, with goods valued at millions of naira stolen. He noted that the incident was reported to the Bomadi Police Station, highlighting a pattern of similar occurrences in the area.

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We have also reported this incident to the Bomadi Police Station. There are a series of similar situations in this community.

In response, the Esenaebe community leadership has implemented measures to combat the rising crime. Chief Romeo Bozimo, the community chairman, announced that fines and penalties have been introduced for individuals caught committing theft. Those found guilty will face a N200,000 fine, in addition to other community sanctions, before being handed over to security agencies. Property owners will also be permitted to pursue legal avenues for recovering stolen items.

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We, the leadership of Esenaebe community, are exasperated by the persistent reports of burglaries and thefts from shops and residential homes within our community. We have delineated fines and penalties for those caught in the act or identified through whistleblowers.

Bozimo further appealed to the Bomadi Local Government Council for enhanced security collaboration. He emphasized the need for the council chairman to involve community leaders in security matters and stressed the necessity of vigilante presence, noting that they have been overlooked in previous security initiatives.

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Any person found guilty of theft would pay a N200,000 fine to the community, in addition to other community-imposed penalties, before being handed over to security agencies.