29th December, 2012
Bag snatchers notorious for plying their acts in Nigeria’s busy market of Onitsha, in the eastern state of Anambra, appeared to have gone on vacation, as the traders’ union recorded a zero incidence.
It was not however a voluntary vacation for the hoodlums.
Mr Nnamdi Unobuagha, the Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market Traders Union (OMMATU) said the union established a special force of vigilantes to police strategic areas to curb the bag pilferers, ahead of the Christmas holidays.
“If it is before, by now, you would have seen some people complaining and some crying over the snatching of their bags or purses.
“We have placed over 60 people at flash-points and over-crowded spots to monitor what people do as well as apprehend and hand over anybody caught in the act to the vigilante groups.
“It has worked out and people are moving with their belongings notwithstanding the human traffic.”
The market leader, however, lauded the police for supporting their effort, by also posting officers and men at strategic locations in and outside the market.