By Praise Chinecherem
A female tricycle operator Monday night lost her brand new tricycle (popularly called Keke) to two armed robbers at Okpuno in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The victim was transporting a passenger when the suspects double-crossed her with their own Keke, near a Catholic Church in the area at about 10.46pm
An eye witness who preferred anonymity said one of the suspects pointed a double-barrel pump-action gun at her, ordering her to step down from the Keke.
He said, “The robbers, two in number, cocked the gun severally, threatening to shoot her if she refuses to come down. The lady sat tight, holding tight her Keke handle in panic and shouting for help.
“Some residents who were attracted by her shout and ran out to help her, however retreated immediately they sighted the gun and watched helplessly from a distance.
“Seeing she didn’t want to let go of the Keke even after her passenger had come down in panic, they brought out cane and started flogging and beating her mercilessly to force her to come down.
“She eventually succumbed after the robbers fired another gunshot into the air. They pushed her out of the tricycle, while one of the robbers took over the Keke and zoomed off.”
Anambra Daily gathered that efforts by the victim, who was assisted by a co-tricyclist to pursue the robbers through the same route were futile.
Some police officers, in the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) uniforms were said to have also came out from a location in the area, boarded a bus and went after the criminals following a tip off.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye assured arrest of the suspects.
He recounted similar cases of tricycle snatching in recent times in the area, but revealed that many of the suspects were tracked down and arrested.
“The suspects are currently in the police custody, together with the recovered stolen tricycles.
“I have directed my men to ensure more strict surveillance at such strategic areas to clampdown on those criminals who are trying to sabotage the efforts of the security agencies in sustaining the peace and security being enjoyed by the people of the State.
On his part, Chairman, Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Osita Obi, also described the incident as unfortunate, assuring to make further inquiries and follow up with the matter.
“Those who know the female Keke driver said she was selling pounded cassava (fufu) and even paps at Eke Awka market and UNIZIK junction, from where she saved the money to buy the brand new Keke.
“No wonder she vehemently refused to let go of the Keke when the criminals were dragging it with her, knowing full well it was a product of her sweat and life savings,” he said.
