-scared residents call for joint service action
In the midst of a lull in attacks carried out on their communities by a large, armed gang, North West District residents remain fearful and still want the help of the army and police to flush out their terrorizers before they strike again with deadlier force.
Three weeks ago, the gang, whose members it is suspected are from settlements along the Aruka River, began breaking into homes at Hosororo, Bumbury and Wanaina, molesting girls as they slept. After the attacks in those communities stopped there were reports of similar incidents six miles away at Wauna and along the Aruka River.

The victims were mainly young girls as young at 12 years old. In one case about 12 of the men surrounded a house in Hosororo but subsequently left when they realized that there were no hopes of getting in.

Residents had told this newspaper that some of the men possessed bush guns and would stray a chemical substance before entering houses to carry out their sexual assaults. In some cases the men went into house more than once.

Hosororo, Bumbury and Wanaina are located on a long stretch of road that is linked to the Aruka River. Hosororo’s electricity supply cuts off at midnight everyday while the other two have none. Following the attacks residents formed groups and with the help of three officers from the Mabaruma Police Station they conducted nightly patrols.

Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, one resident said that there have been no reports of attacks for over a week but while they are a little happy about this, they are still scared. “I am not too happy about this. I want them to be caught because we don’t know when they are going to appear again and what they will do,” she said, stressing that residents are still alert.

She described the behaviour of the gang as “odd,” adding that it worries her. The woman believed that the men are just lying low for the time being because residents were patrolling every night and police became involved in the matter. “I think that the army and the police should go and find them before they strike again,” she added.

Meanwhile, another resident shared the same concerns. He said that though the attacks have stopped, the police would come to check at night to ensure all is well in the communities. “People are still scared and things still tense but we are prepared to protect out neighbours,” he stressed.

Stabroek News understands that the four suspects who were in custody have been released. Three were detained for questioning. Another, who was found with a stolen generator, was released on bail.