Panic rocks Lagos Street traders As suspected pickpockets’ attempt fail 

Panic rocks Lagos Street traders As suspected pickpockets’attempt fail

* Traders abandon goods, flee for safety As police deploy detectives to area in Benin City

Lagos Street in the heart of Benin City was thrown into disarray in the early hours of Tuesday as suspected pickpockets attempted to rob unsuspecting traders and customers at gunpoint. The failed operation sparked palpable tension and fear, forcing traders to abandon their businesses and wares to catch a glimpse of the unfolding drama.Sources said the suspects moved into the busy market area and sized up their victims with the intention to rob. However, their evil plan was unsuccessful.

“Their actions attracted passersby, including traders who scampered for their dear lives for fear of the unknown,” an eyewitness told journalists.

For about two hours, commercial activities on Lagos Street were grounded as traders scattered and residents gathered to know the whereabouts of the suspects, who fled the scene when they failed to achieve their objective.

Traders lamented that Lagos Street has in recent times been enveloped in a crisis of management, with a growing influx of pickpockets and hoodlums robbing unsuspecting traders and customers in broad daylight.

“We cannot continue like this. Every day we come to sell and we live in fear. Government should come to our aid,” one of the traders said.

Confirming the incident, the *Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedom*, said police detectives have been drafted to Lagos Street to curtail the nefarious activities within the market.

“Investigation is ongoing. We have deployed operatives to the area to ensure the safety of traders and customers and to arrest the fleeing suspects,” ASP Ikoedom stated.

She urged traders and residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station.Normalcy has since returned to Lagos Street, though traders say they remain on edge.