‘We Don’t Know Why They Disbanded It’ – Traders At SARS Office Count Losses

Not less than ten food vendors around the Enugu office of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) located at Golf Estate are counting their losses as the office, hitherto known for its liveliness, is gradually turning into a ghost village.

Although some security operatives in mufti were sighted there, the two entrances to the station were closed, and no vehicular movement was allowed there when our correspondent visited the station on Friday.

Although none of the traders agreed to speak on record or mention their names, it was observed that it was not business as usual. The seats were virtually empty, except at a pub said to be owned by the wife of one of the operatives where our correspondent saw some scanty people drinking and cracking jokes.

An attendant at one of the joints told THE WHISTLER that, “What always kept us busy used to be people that have cases in the station. They would come with their lawyers and other stakeholders to settle one matter or the other. They always sit out with the operatives handling their cases in our shops. But with the recent development, no one comes again, and it is affecting our businesses. On a very good day, we begin to make sales as early as 7:30am when visitors begin to buy foods for some inmates. I believe the new formation they are creating will be located here so that the money I spent in renting this shop won’t be in vain.”

Another seller said, “SARS people are doing good work. I don’t know why they disbanded them. If you see how they were arresting criminals here, you would understand what I mean. But I believe that something good will happen to us because the business I do here has blessed me and my family very well. It will be hard to get another place like this. The time now is 11am, and I have not sold anything. Before now, you won’t find a space in my shop by this time. I pray for God’s intervention. Our only source of hope is now the labourers who patronize us, but again, they are few.”