In Jimeta, Adamawa state kidnapping, burglary, theft, and snatching of valuables have become the order of the day leaving residents at the mercy of the hoodlums. Communities like Bajabure Federal Housing estate, Badirisa, Jambutu, Doubeli, Shagari, Damilu, among others, have been flashpoints for crimes and criminalities forcing the inhabitants to sleep with one eye open. These criminal activities cannot be quelled without the mention of a dreaded group “The Shila Boys” who began their dastardly acts in 2017 within Jimeta- Yola Axis.
The Shila Boys attack their victims in broad daylight, snatching phones and other valuables. Findings reveal that some highly placed individuals support the Shila Boys’ atrocities through paving the way for their bails at the police stations, thereby compromising the fight against crimes and criminalities.
The Fintiri administration on assumption of office in May 2019 vowed to tackle criminalities including the dreaded Shila Boys. He gave the Shila Boys two weeks to repent or face the wrath of the law.
Immediately, after the first security meeting, Governor Fintiri led security agencies to one of the hideouts popularly known as “Sambisa along Jimeta bye- pass road at Shinco axis. Several arrests were made and the boys made confessionary statements with a pledge to repent and turn a new leaf.
A new security outfit “Operation Farauta” was launched by Governor Fintiri to aid the security agencies nip in the bud criminalities with a view to making the state crime free. But the Shila Boys changed their tactics from using tricycles to take their victims hostage and rub them of their valuables to burglary and theft in the late hours or early hours of morning.
The criminals also use hotels and other hideouts for cover and coordination of their crimes.
There is the need for all and sundry to join hands with government and security agencies to fight crime by divulging information with a view to fishing them out. The adage “if you see something, say something” will go a long way in checking their nefarious acts.
Muktar Adamu Mubi,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri
