Inside Osun: Extortion, Harassment Hits Capital City

VAM News update

There is an ongoing threat to residents of Osogbo, capital of Osun State.

Some louts and thugs have been constantly extorting and harassing the residents, especially those who are on commercial motorcycles known as okada.

The thugs who are usually three in number also operate on bike with which they dispossess their victims of their belongings.

Osun defender noted that students, youth, suspected internet fraudsters known as Yahoo boy and innocent looking individuals are always the target of the louts and thugs.

Besides, the thugs have also embarked on extorting petty traders on the roadside, forcing them to part with their money or have some of their properties seized.

The Newspaper’ investigations which lasted three-month established that the thugs are a new breed in the state, spreading across the state capital.

It was gathered that the louts and hoodlums have syndicates among the commercial motorcyclists who would carry their passengers through routes where they will be sighted and extorted.

Investigations revealed that the thugs have positioned themselves at some strategic areas and will immediately trail the commercial motorcyclists upon sighting somebody they want to extort.

The thugs usually forced the bike-man to stop and aggressively asked the passengers to give them money or give away any disposable property with him or her while sitting on the motorcycle.

In many occasions, the thugs would display gun or other dangerous weapon to threaten their victims and force them to do their biddings.

Findings revealed that majority of the victims are youths, either male or female who usually plug earpiece in their ear or put on headphone while on bike or walking.

Other victims, according to findings are some innocent looking individuals who dressed flashy, and some ladies believed to be women of easy virtue.

Areas where the daily extortion and harassment are rampant, according to findings, are Odiolowo, Alekuwodo, Okonfo, Rasco-Old garage, Otaefun, Isale-Osun, Oke Ayepe, Obate, Omo-West and Ogo-Oluwa axis of Osogbo.