Residents of Shagari Low-cost Housing in Maiduguri on Saturday protested against what they described as ‘increase in criminal activities’ in the state. 

The demonstration followed the killing of Aga Citi, the Vice-Chairman of Timber Sellers Association, in the state.

The victim was allegedly murdered in cold blood by unknown gunmen in the estate on March 10, at about 8:15 p.m.

The protesters demanded immediate closure of “Kasuwan Fara,” a commercial joint known to be habouring drug peddlers, commercial sex workers and claimed to be used for other nefarious activities.

One of the protesters, Felix Samuel, lamented that the crime rate had triggered fear amongst residents of the area.

Mr Samuel said that the late Citi was killed as he parked his car at the commercial area to buy fast food at a joint.

“When you come to Shagari Low-cost in the evening, you will see many prostitutes and youths from different parts of Maiduguri engaging in all sorts of anti-social activities. It is no longer news that people are being attacked on daily basis,” he said.

Kabiru Musa, another resident appealed to governor Babagana Zulum to “come to our aid as we can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. 

“The reality is that day in day out, we are being attacked, we are being killed. Our houses are being robbed. 

“The other day, a lady who was intoxicated wiyh psychotropic substances was murdered in a hotel after being raped by unknown individuals,” he added.

The state commissioner of police, Abdu Umar, said he has mobilised his men and other patrol teams to the area to investigate the killing of Mr Citi.

Mr Umar assured the protesting residents that he would deliver their message to the governor to facilitate immediate action over the concerns raised.

(NAN)