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.

*Police demolish dens in Kokori, Warri, Ozoro, Orogun …
SINCE Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, gave Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, official imprimatur, a month or so ago, to pull down dens of acknowledged kidnappers, the practitioners of the evil business seem to have simmered down on their hair-raising escapades.