Residents of Oshodi and Mafoluku areas of Lagos State have called on the police to provide adequate security in churches and at bus stops.
This follows armed robbery incidents in two churches in Oshodi.
The Eagle Online gathered that the robbers, numbering about seven, attacked the Temple Rebuilders Ministry and Renewed Christian Word Mission on Aimasiko and Afariogun Streets at about 3am on New Year Eve.
A member of the Temple Rebuilders Ministry, who simply identify herself as Sister Grace, said the robbers came with guns and dangerous weapons and caught members who were sleeping unawares.
She told The Eagle Online: “They were like eight in number.
“They came well armed with guns, cutlass and other weapons.
“They tied us up and stole money and other things like phones.
“They told us that if we shout they will waste us.
“I was terrified.
“I kept praying: Jesus take control.
“When they were through with their evil act, they ran away.”
Barnabas Otoibhi, the Senior Pastor of Temple Rebuilders Ministry, said the armed robbers struck after the church ended its service for 2012.
Otoibhi said: “The armed robbers came into the church after we have finished our service but some of our members who could not go home after the service at 1.30am stayed back.
“But about 4am, the armed robbers were seen loitering.
“Members were asleep but the robbers tied them up and took their time to take drinks after they broke into my office and ransacked everywhere.
“The robbers went ahead to steal phones, wristwatches and other belongings.
“This lasted for close to one hour.
“The robbers were not satisfied as they attempted to rape a 12-year-old girl in the church but members pleaded with them not to desecrate the house of God.
“It was a horrible experience and we urge the police to arrest these deadly robbers.”
It was the same sad tale at the Renewed Christian Word Mission, as the gang of robbers stormed the church.
Church members, who fell victim, said the robbers have constantly raided their church.
A member said: “The armed robbers stormed the church about 4.30am and ordered us to lie down.
“They used their legs to hit us to face the floor.
“They now stole our phones and money, including things like shoes, bags, church cameras, mixers and musical instruments.
“The robbers have been attacking the church since October.
“Every month, they come prepared as if it’s their monthly tithe.
“So, we have experienced this kind of thing three times in the last three months.
“In December, the robbers took two generators and other church equipment and we reported to the Makinde Police Division.”
Residents said other churches have been attacked by suspected armed robbers recently.
They said armed robbers in October 2012 attacked a Christ Apostolic Church on Okeleye Street.
Also, the Redeemed Christian Church of God on Eyinogun Street, Mafoluku and the Foursquare Gospel Church on Afariogun Street were attacked in December.
The residents also want the police to beef up security around and under the bridge at Toyota Bus Stop on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway and the flyover, which leads to Mafoluku.
Charity Bus Stop, 7 and 8 Bus Stop along the Murtala Mohammmed International Airport Road were also mentioned as black spots for armed robbers.
They said victims are in most cases attacked in the morning.
A source said: “People going to work between 5am and 6am usually fall victim as the robbers attack them.
“The robbers are wrecking this havoc because the police have stopped patrolling these areas.
“We appeal to the Commissioner of Police to order his men to patrol these areas because these armed robberies have become too frequent.”
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