The sporadic gun shots from men of the under world Tuesday, rattled residents of the ancient town of Omuaran in Irepodun local government area of Kwara state. The robbers, numbering over 20 and armed with sophisticated weapons, attacked three banks and killed three persons: a member of a vigilante group and two others.

For some time now, armed robbers and kidnappers have taken over an area referred to as “Evil Forest” located along the Benin-City bypass, and seen as a haven for criminal activities. Luxury buses plying the East-Lagos routes have on many occasions been attacked, passengers robbed and women raped in the area. Those who resist are killed. Families of many kidnapped victims are asked to go to the ‘Evil Forest’ to drop ransom. In the past, policemen dared not go near the place because they may not come back alive to tell the story.

WARNING: This story contains a graphic picture. Reader’s discretion is advised.

In less than a month, the remains of Eze Okoro, 46-year-old trader who was found dead after a shootout between operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos and a gang of armed robbers at Ijaiye-Ojokoro, will be committed to mother earth but the controversy surrounding the death still lingers.

The appointment of former Inspector-General of Police, Sir. Mike Mbama Okiro, as the Chairman of Police Service Commission was received with excitement by Nigerians who have been clamoring for positive changes in the administration of the embattled Nigeria Police. Sunday Vanguard went to town to feel the public pulse over the appointment.