Residents of Rivers State have called on the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), to urgently address the worsening state of insecurity, driven by cultism, youth violence, and other criminal activities across the state.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, the residents decried the increasing wave of cult-related violence, kidnappings, armed robbery, and shootings, which have rendered many communities unsafe and disrupted economic activities.
They expressed disappointment over what they described as government inaction in the face of mounting insecurity, and urged the administrator to deploy his military experience and strategic know-how to restore law and order.
An elder statesman and resident of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Mr. Onwuchekwa Ikechukwu, highlighted the disturbing situation in his area, where criminal gangs reportedly operate with impunity.
“These cult boys have taken over many parts of Diobu. Residents live in constant fear. Many people have lost loved ones—either shot directly or caught by stray bullets. Some have been kidnapped and never heard from again,” Ikechukwu lamented.
He urged Admiral Ibas to prioritize the security of lives and property, stating that only a proactive and coordinated approach would quell the growing unrest.
Mr. Ikechukwu further warned that unless decisive action is taken, the cult groups—fueled by a mix of economic frustration, tribal loyalty, and access to weapons—will continue their cycle of attacks and counterattacks, creating an atmosphere of lawlessness.
Another concerned citizen, a social analyst Mr. Benson Wachukwu, emphasized that insecurity not only threatens lives but also scares away investors and cripples the economy.
“No serious business can thrive in a state where workers are at constant risk of being kidnapped or killed. Insecurity is the biggest demarketer of any state,” Wachukwu said.
He criticized what he sees as a lack of decisive leadership from the Sole Administrator and questioned his commitment to improving the state, suggesting that inaction might indicate political motives.
Wachukwu, however, expressed hope for divine intervention in the state and prayed for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose mandate he believes was disrupted, calling on Nigerians to reflect on the state of democracy ahead of the upcoming Democracy Day.
Residents collectively urged the Sole Administrator to live up to expectations, curb the menace of cultism and insecurity, and restore peace and development to Rivers State.
