…We’ve lost goods worth over 700million naira , mostly bank loans

….they rob us every week – Victims

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Gadgets and Accessory Dealers Union of Cross River have raised the alarm over incessant burglary of their shops, office premises by hoodlums in Calabar leading to losses of over 700million naira worth of goods within the last three months.

Some of the affected gadget dealers voiced their frustration, revealing that this problem became incessant since December 2024

The business owners who demonstrated with various placards along the popular Etta Agbor Road where many of their business are located called on the state government to come to their aid.

They shared harrowing experiences of how their stores were burgled by hoodlums who carted away phones, laptops, music boxes amongst others at night.

A victim Okoro Uchenanya, CEO of Chidon Communications, lamtented that he lost goods worth four hundred million naira after his two offices were burgled.

“I almost went into coma due to the shock because I just took delivery of good for December and January sales.

“They broke into my stores on December 10th while they burgled the second store on the 11th of the same month , they ran me aground , carting away almost all the items that came into my store that period,” he said.

Uchennya urged the government to enhance security measures to help business owners operate without fear.

He noted that despite reporting the crime to the police, no action has been taken as his case has remained under investigation since then.

“Since then, my life have not been the same, I’m struggling to pay banks , pay my workers and meet up with my business partners. It’s been hell for me , we need the help of Governor Bassey Otu , we are frustrated,” he bemoaned.

Another victim, George Nwosu, CEO of George Gadgets at 45 Eta Agbor Road, said that his shop was vandalised twice, on January 1 and February 3, 2025, with the hoodlums making away with goods worth over forty million naira.

According to him , he filed a report with the police, who documented the incident, but he was yet to recover his stolen items.

Nwosu emphasized the need for increased security in Calabar, stating that although he has CCTV and a safe in his shop, the burglars were able to steal everything in his store.

Paschal Obi, CEO of MOC Gadgets, expressed fear that while his store hasn’t been targeted yet, the constant threat of burglars have become worrisome.

He recounted a recent incident where a colleague’s store was broken into near a gas station, despite the presence of security personnel, highlighting the risks faced by business owners in the area.

Obi urged the government to improve on the security patrols, adding that outfits like operation Okwok should swing into real action.

“Our collective losses from these burglaries has exceeded 700 million naira.

“The importance of safeguarding our businesses cannot be overemphasized, we rely on loans to run theses businesses, we have a lot of people in our employ.

“We are calling on the state government to implement better security measures so business owners can operate with peace of mind.

The Tech and Gadgets Union urged authorities to take prompt action, warning that if improvements in security were not made, they might have no choice but to relocate their businesses to neighboring states with conducive business environment.