Residents of Damazin, the capital of Sudan’s Blue Nile state, say they are increasingly concerned about armed robberies, particularly after dark.
Several residents told Radio Tamazuj that they had been assaulted and had personal belongings stolen in different parts of the city.
Ahmed Al-Tayib, a Damazin resident, described the robberies as a recent development and called on the authorities to strengthen security measures.
Ayman Al-Sayed, who said he was among the victims, told Radio Tamazuj that his mobile phone had been taken at gunpoint. He urged the authorities to take action to prevent further attacks.
Ridwan Mohamed, a resident of the Arkaweet neighbourhood, said residents are living in increasingly difficult conditions.
“The situation has become dangerous,” he said, adding that his brother had been robbed at gunpoint near the family home.
Ahmed Abbas, a community activist, called for more security patrols, particularly at night.
He also urged the authorities to strengthen protection for civilians in residential areas and markets and to address the spread of illegal firearms.
Blue Nile security authorities have announced joint operations targeting what they described as “hotspots of negative phenomena”.
They said the operations had resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of firearms and ammunition.
The security measures come as authorities extend the state of emergency in Blue Nile for a further three months.
Authorities have also banned motorcycles from operating in Damazin and Roseires between 5:00am and 6am.
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