TRADERS and residents of Mabawe ward in Ngara District, Kagera Region on the border with Burundi, have appealed the government to strengthen security in the wake of rising robbery incidents presumably committed by thugs from across the border.

Ndaisa Ruhoro, the Ngara MP, was asked to see to it that security is strengthened in the area, as he handed construction materials for a police station in the ward.

Hope is being laid on the new police station to curn the recurring robbery incidents, where residents like Victor Ntamalengero of Mlugina village in the ward o said he was forced to relocate business and family due to fearing the criminals.

Some families were attacked and shops were robbed, with three prominent traders dying after suffering injuries, compelling others to move to Kabanga ward.

Back in May traders were attacked by robbers who broke into shops and vehicles, stealing valuables. “We managed to notify the police, who responded swiftly and apprehended one of the robbers with firearms. If security is enhanced here and a police station is built, we will feel relief,” the resident and trader affirmed.

Jane Mkandala, a resident, said that some years ago their business area was attacked, resulting in the death of one young man for refusing to give money, while a student was shot in the leg and missed school for weeks.

Erick Mlindwa, the Muruguna village chairman, said that Kabanga police station was insufficient for their needs owing to the distance. Help arrives too late and the thieves have enough time to escape, he stated.

Mabawe councillor Safari Banigwa did confirm that some traders and residents relocated due to fearing robberies, thus the community is pushing for the construction of a police station to improve security.

This will reassure the pursuit of social and economic activities in the area, with the MP saying that the government is working closely with the residents to resolve the challenges being faced.

The new police station will be rapidly completed and made operational, to stem rising incidents especially of night time robberies, he said, intimating that he will liaise with police authorities for joint patrols along the border areas while work on the station is being pursued.

Anyone found collaborating with robbers will be brought to justice as such actions result in deaths and forced relocations, he added.