Residents of Osogbo, State of Osun capital have called on the state government and security personnel over the extortion by hoodlums.
The gang of hoodlums are currently waylaying and extorting road users as well as commuters in some areas within the Osogbo metropolis.
The most affected areas are Atelewo and Oke-Baale communities.
Residents who sent SMS messages to media houses said the hoodlums are demanding and coercing road users to pay some amount of money before they are allowed to pass.
They revealed that such extortion, which is common in the area especially during festive seasons, has now degenerated to violence.
“This one is different. They arm-twist passersby to part with their money. This is not good. It is criminal. It is extortion. It is stealing.
“We don’t want this amongst us. It is not projecting our image positively. This is an image we are trying to build in the new Osogbo and these hoodlums are rubbishing it again.”
The activities of the hoodlums, residents say may not be unconnected with the construction of the Olaiya flyover, which has hampered the free flow of traffic and caused hardship for both residents and road users.
The residents called on the state government and the Nigeria Police to act before the development degenerates further.
