THE frequent spate of armed robbery attacks especially on banks across the country is worrisome, partly for its reflection of the dastard state of insecurity in the land; and also for the gruesome termination of innocent human lives they regularly occasion. The incident in Okene, Kogi State two days ago when robbers invaded three banks and killed 10 persons, is only a more recent example of the seeming incapacity of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order.Indeed, even in Kogi State, armed robbers had, weeks earlier, attacked the Divisional Police Station in Kabba, bombing it and in the process killing two policemen and looting the armoury. Simultaneously, the robbers attacked a bank close to the police station, riddling it with bullets and apparently debunking any notion that proximity to the police confers any safety on banks and the people.Before and after the November robbery attacks, armed robbers had dealt severe blow to banks in various parts of Ogun State, practically causing a shut- down of financial institutions in the state. Up to now, the banks are still operating at half-mast because of the absence of security guarantees. Late last month, robbers killed four persons when they invaded a bank in Akure, Ondo State.Many other states were not left out in these robberies which were equally directed at individuals in their homes and on the highways. In Lagos, robbers operating on motorcycles frequently blocked the flow of traffic and violently dispossessed motorists of their money, cars and other personal effects.A notable factor in many of the robberies is the robbers' penchant to kill people with impunity and in utter disregard for sanctity of human lives. If properly documented, human casualty to robberies in the past two months alone must be in their hundreds. Equally worrisome is the unfettered use of high-caliber weapons, including bombs and dynamites, often superior to those of the police, by the robbers.Again, the overall picture is that the Police are overwhelmed and incapable of responding adequately and with assurance to the robberies. It is clear also that crime-prevention machinery in the country is almost completely grounded. Law enforcement agencies, including the State Security Services (SSS) and the detective organs of the Police are so powerless that they can only react after the incidents.It is true that Police top hierarchy and government spokesmen usually issue statements to condemn the attacks, pledge to redress the situation and to arrest the culprits. In reality, these statements no longer assure ordinary Nigerians who are being asked to go about their normal duties amid uncurbed danger.Apparently touched by reports of security breaches across the country, President Goodluck Jonathan had cause recently to condemn all acts of violence against innocent Nigerians, stressing that government was determined to tackle the menace head-on. Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the President promised to make the country peaceful and attractive to tourists and foreign investments.Government and their officials need to do more to impress Nigerians who would prefer practical action to stem robberies and other violent crimes. Government at all levels must therefore be more pro-active in curbing the menace of armed robbers.Also recently, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of any property whose owners are landlords to robbers. Such properties, he said would be forfeited to the state government. The governor spoke at a meeting organized by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. Again, his concern is to be appreciated against the increasing wave of armed robbery and violent crime documented by the Police in the year. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali, 522 robbers were arrested, 164 robbers died during encounters with the Police, 328 arms and 3,553 ammunition recovered and 319 murder cases were recorded in the last one year.Perhaps the lesson of Governor Fashola's threat is for landlords and caretakers to show greater interest in the occupation and activities of their tenants. After all, armed robbers are not ghosts, as they live among the rest of the people. It is the duty not just of landlords, but also of other citizens and tenants, to assist the Police in unearthing armed robbers wherever they may be.While it may be reasonable to punish landlords, or confiscate their property if they are found to directly aid, abet or operate with robbers, it may be high-handed or inappropriate to levy a general punishment on them for sins committed by their tenants and without their knowledge or consent. Governor Fashola should therefore exercise caution in carrying out his suggestion.The country needs to review and update its entire security machinery. Steps should be taken, constitutionally and otherwise, to address the failings of the Police and to reinvigorate crime prevention. The present arrangement is certainly not adequate to counter the daring escapades of armed robbers and to protect innocent lives from callous extermination. Besides, the country is unlikely to attract foreign investors in the present climate of fear.Ultimately, government at all levels must work to provide employment for millions of Nigerians who, without jobs, are ready recruitment objects to crime syndicates. There should be concerted efforts to provide electricity, improve basic infrastructure such as roads, railways and get the citizens engaged.There should also be genuine efforts to reduce corruption in public life, cut bloated official expenditure including exaggerated emoluments of public officers; and do away with expensive projects that add little value to the masses. Money realised from these exercise can be channeled to more productive ventures to create more jobs.
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