Business Owners express concerns as thieves target shops in Calabar, stealing goods worth N700 Million

 

By Joseph Abasi-Abasi

The Tech and Gadgets Dealers Union of Cross River has raised awareness about a series of alleged robbery incidents affecting their shops.

Affected business owners have voiced their frustration, indicating that this problem has persisted since December.

In an interview with Tribune Online, shop owners demonstrated their grievances by marching with placards. They shared harrowing accounts of their stores being broken into at night, with valuables being stolen.

Okoro Uchennya, CEO of Chidon Communications, reported that items worth four hundred million naira were stolen from his two stores located at 49 Eta Agbor and 38 Marian Road in December. He recounted being shocked to find everything missing when he arrived at his shop on December 10th and 11th, 2024. 

Uchennya urged the government to enhance security measures to help business owners operate without fear, noting that despite reporting the crime to the police, no action has been taken. 

He expressed his distress, saying, “Since then, my life has not been the same,” and requested financial support to cope with the situation.

Another victim, George Nwosu, CEO of George Gadgets at 45 Eta Agbor Road, explained that his shop was burglarized twice, on January 1 and February 3, 2025, with thieves making off with goods valued at forty million naira. He filed a report with the police, who documented the incident, but he has yet to recover his stolen items. Nwosu emphasized the need for increased security in Calabar, stating that although he has CCTV and a safe in his shop, the burglars managed to steal everything.

Paschal Obi, CEO of MOC Gadgets, expressed his anxieties, admitting that while his store hasn't been targeted yet, the constant threat of burglary looms large. He recounted a recent incident where a colleague’s store was broken into near a gas station, despite the presence of security personnel, highlighting the risks faced by business owners in the area.

Obi urged the government to improve security, explaining that the collective losses from these burglaries exceed 700 million naira. He stressed the importance of safeguarding their businesses, which rely on loans and support many employees. He called on the state government to implement better security measures so business owners can operate with peace of mind.

The Tech and Gadgets Union urged authorities to take prompt action, warning that if improvements in security are not made, they might have no choice but to relocate to a state with stronger security measures.

Attempts to reach state Police Public Relations Officer Irene Ugbo for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.