POS operators in Aba cry over incessant attacks by robbers

Operators of Point of Sale (POS) in Aba have called on security agencies to take measures to save them from incessant attacks by armed robbers.

South East Trust correspondent reports that recently, there have been a rise of armed robbery on operators of POS in Aba leading to the death of two of them.

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In one of the incidents, a female operator of popular POS in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State, Ezinne Grace Iroh, was killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

Miss Iroh was reportedly attacked by the gunmen at her business premises on Ukaegbu road in Ogbor Hill, Aba North Local Government Area on the outskirts of the commercial city centre.

The hoodlums after dispossessing the POS operator of an undisclosed amount of cash reportedly shot her before shooting into the air to pave way for their escape.

Our correspondent gathered that the victim, who had already lost a huge amount of blood, was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention but died hours after the medical staff battled to save her.

It was, however, learnt one of the gunmen was caught and handed over to the Azuka Police Division.

A senior police officer under Abia Command Police Command confirmed the death of the female POS operator.

Less than 48 hours after the police also confirmed the killing of another POS operator,  Mr Victor Igbokwe, in Aba.

Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO),  SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the killing of Igbokwe by suspected armed robbers.

He said that investigation was ongoing into the case and urged residents to remain calm.

An eye witness told our reporter that four armed men, who came on a tricycle, moved to Igbokwe’s POS shop, shot him, collected his money and fled.

“They shot but he managed to drag himself out from his shop calling for help while bleeding profusely. Everyone scampered to safety because no one knew where the shooting came from.

‘’By the time  sympathisers came, he had already lost too much blood.”

He was confirmed dead by a doctor when he was taken to a hospital located at the Azikiwe road area.

Reacting to this new wave of crime, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief John Okiyi Kalu said most of the crimes and killing of innocent individuals, especially POS vendors were committed with the aid of tricycle (Keke) operators.

“The ugly activities of some tricycle (Keke) operators are posing serious threat to lives and properties of Abians and its residents.

“The government has directed the leadership of the various unions of tricycles operators  to trace out the criminal elements among them and handover same to security agents. The leadership of the unions were equally advised to report any suspicious activity around them.

“The state will not compromise the relative peace being enjoyed by Abians and its residents,’’ he said.