Gunmen on Friday invaded the Warri, Delta State office of the  Nigeria Union of Journalists on Gbiaye Street, off Third Marine Gate.

The bandits, who allegedly arrived at about 11.30pm ransacked the entire building ostensibly in search of cash.

They were said to have gained entry into the office through a hole in the fence of one-storey building.

The five-man gang also broke the gate leading to the cafeteria and allegedly stole a large sum of money belonging to the Press Centre Caterer, popularly called Madam NUJ.

Our correspondent learnt that although the police were contacted, they did not respond.

The policemen were said to have collected “fuel money” for the night but left the area around 11pm just before the gang arrived.

The Warri Chapel Chairman, Mr. Mike Ikeogwu, lamented the rising crime rate in the city.

He said, “The increasing wave of crime in Warri and its environs is giving many residents serious concern. It is very unfortunate that people now sleep with their eyes open. In the last one month, robbers have attacked two of our members.

“That tells you the level of deterioration of security in this city. This act is condemnable and I would like the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Tsafe, to take a very decisive step in arresting this growing criminal trend in Warri and Delta  State in general.”