Residents of Tarabuush neighbourhood in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district have raised concerns over worsening insecurity, alleging that armed gangs are increasingly robbing pedestrians and other people using local roads both day and night.
Residents said the security situation has deteriorated in recent days, leaving people living in the neighbourhood and those travelling through the area increasingly fearful.
They added that the reported robberies have disrupted daily activities and made it difficult for people to move around safely, particularly at night.
One of the main concerns involves three-wheeled taxis, commonly known as bajaaj, operating between Zoobe Junction and Tarabuush. According to residents, some vehicles transport multiple passengers at night, charging each passenger around $0.50.
However, residents say transport becomes increasingly difficult from the evening Isha prayer onwards, when passengers struggle to find drivers willing to take them directly to their homes in Tarabuush.
Some bajaaj drivers reportedly avoid entering the neighbourhood because they fear armed gangs could rob them of their vehicles. As a result, some drivers take alternative routes through Suuq Boocle in Dharkeenley district and the area known as Dhagaxa Turkiga.
These detours lengthen journeys and create additional difficulties for residents trying to reach their homes, particularly during nighttime hours.
Residents said the insecurity has affected local businesses, movement between neighbourhoods and public confidence in using local roads. They warned that failure to address the situation could expose residents and transport operators to further risks.
Residents of Tarabuush have appealed to Somalia’s federal government, Banadir regional authorities, the Wadajir district administration and security agencies to take urgent action to improve safety in the neighbourhood.
Their demands include increased security patrols, investigations into the reported robberies and measures to protect residents, transport operators and their property.
As of the latest information provided, no official statement had been issued by the Wadajir district administration or security agencies detailing what action, if any, had been taken in response to the complaints.
The reported insecurity in Tarabuush has become a growing concern for residents, who are calling for effective measures to curb armed robberies and restore safe movement throughout the neighbourhood, particularly at night.