Some health workers and mothers in Benin, the Edo State capital, have decried the high rate of theft of mosquito nets from distribution centres across the state.

In separate interviews with our correspondent  in Benin, they expressed surprise at the action of those perpetrating the act.

Mr Samuel Akele, a community health extension worker posted to Quality Medical Centre, told The Tide  that some mosquito nets were stolen from the medical centre last Thursday.

“Some youths broke the fence of this health centre and went away with nine mosquito nets.

“We have been hearing from other distribution centres that people steal nets and sell them in the market,’’ he said.

Akele, however, said the presence of securitymen at distribution centres would have prevented such occurrences.

Another health worker, Mrs Therma Okokobili of Iwogban Health Centre, said she sustained bruises on her arm in the process of dragging a net from a youth who attempted stealing it.

“Some boys came here yesterday (Friday) and broke the door to the store room, and one of them tried to run away with a mosquito net.

“I had to make sure that we gave out all the nets yesterday evening to prevent them from being stolen at night,” she said.

Mrs Mary Osagie, a mother of two, told The Tide that the act of stealing mosquito nets which were distributed freely was barbaric.

She, however, advised that the masses should assist the government in implementing policies that would make life more meaningful for the populace.

Mrs Faith Imaredon who said the distribution process was too stressful and time-wasting, said the rate of net thefts would not have been high if action had been taken earlier.

The mother of five children said the case could have been different if the nets were distributed from house to house.

The Tide recalls that the net distribution programme which is part of the Federal Government’s roll back malaria initiative, started on September 12 and would end on September 17 in Edo State.