Operators of Point of Sale outlets in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State, and its environs have decried incessant robbery attacks on their members, calling on the police and other security agencies to protect their business interest.
The operators who spoke to our reporter on Friday lamented series of attacks on their business by hoodlums who have made them their target.
Their appeal came on the heels of the recent killing of a POS operator, identified as Mr. Victor Igbokwe by gunmen.
Igbokwe as gathered was once a staff member of a popular commercial bank, before opening his POS shop at NO: 98 Market Road, Aba.
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The incident, it was gathered occurred by 10:30 on Thursday morning forcing many business operators to run for their dear lives.
It was learnt that four armed men who came on a tricycle (Keke), moved straight to Igbokwe’s POS shop, shot at him, collected his money, and zoomed off.
One of the sources said that the shooting sent fear into all business operators around, who ran leaving Igbokwe in the pool of his own blood.
The source added that Igbokwe managed to drag himself out from his shop calling for help while bleeding profusely, but got no help.
According to the source, by the time help could come his way, Igbokwe had lost so much blood because everyone around ran away for fear of losing their lives.
The source said that Igbokwe was confirmed dead by a doctor when he was taken to a hospital located around Azikiwe Road.
Another source who gave his name as Chika Ifeanyi corroborating others said the number of POS operators attacked over the past weeks is alarming, fearing that if nothing was done to address the problem, the attack on their members could increase.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Abia State, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the incident.