Residents of Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt, are raising serious concerns over the alarming rise in insecurity, as violent clashes between rival cult groups continue to wreak havoc across the city. Frequent gun battles—especially in densely populated areas such as Diobu—have forced businesses to shut down and left residents living in constant fear.
According to eyewitness accounts, the clashes have become a daily nightmare, with gunfire often lasting through the night. “The shooting on Sunday, June 1st, was the worst,” said Kelechi Onyema, a resident of Diobu. “From 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., gunshots rang out across Njemanze Street, Elechi Beach, Awgu Street, Etche, and beyond. No one could sleep.”
The violence has gone beyond cult clashes. Reports of robbery, kidnapping, and general lawlessness have surged. Residents now say they are unsure of their safety even in public transport, as armed youths roam freely, snatching phones, money, bags, and valuables without fear of consequences.
A social analyst and elder statesman, Mr. Joseph Ama, attributed the chaos to economic hardship, high unemployment, and political instability following the imposition of emergency rule in the state. He explained that many of the aggrieved youths were beneficiaries of the now-suspended local government officials, and the sudden loss of patronage has pushed them into violent rebellion.
Mr. Ama called on the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd), and security agencies to take immediate action. “The cult groups are now emboldened. They’ve returned to the streets with their weapons, harassing residents unchecked,” he said. He also urged the government to tackle emerging cybercrimes and POS fraud, which have become rampant.
In response, the Rivers State Government has begun intensifying its peace advocacy efforts. On May 15, during a visit to Akinima, headquarters of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Vice Admiral Ibas, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and called on citizens to provide timely and reliable intelligence to law enforcement agencies.
Similarly, on May 16, at the Suanu Finimale Hall in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Vice Admiral Ibas urged community leaders to establish Local Security Networks to support police operations and maintain peace in their areas.
Despite these reassurances, many residents believe that only swift and decisive actions—backed by strategic security deployments—will bring an end to the reign of terror and restore normalcy in Port Harcourt.
