The Ogle Masjid, located in the serene community of Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was the scene of a brazen robbery early this morning, leaving residents and worshippers shaken. The victim, Abdul Tarif, who resides in an apartment above the Masjid, recounts the harrowing ordeal.
At approximately 04:45h Tarif was preparing chicken when he stepped outside to dispose of the remains, inadvertently leaving his door unlocked. Upon returning moments later, he was confronted by two robbers.
In an unsettling turn of events, the thieves attempted to calm Tarif, urging him not to be afraid as they demanded his money. After robbing Tarif, the perpetrators moved to the Masjid’s bottom flat, where they emptied the donation box, taking what little funds were stored. Combined, the thieves made off with approximately $250,000 Guyana dollars.
The victim explained that he was awaiting the arrival of the cleaner, who routinely comes early to tidy the Masjid, to report the crime. Upon the cleaner’s arrival, they notified the police. However, he expressed frustration with the police response, as they merely took photographs and provided a contact number instead of conducting a thorough investigation, such as collecting fingerprints.
This incident marks the second robbery attempt on the Masjid in recent times. Tarif revealed that last year, during the fasting season, an attempt was made to break into the donation box. However, the culprits fled just before the cleaner arrived.
Despite this unsettling incident, he emphasized the Masjid’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that they welcome everyone, regardless of class or status.
The incident has sparked concerns among community members about security and the need for a more proactive police presence. Worshippers and residents hope for swift action to prevent further occurrences and ensure the safety of their sacred space. Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Investigations are ongoing.
