Edith CHUKU
Concerned with the prevailing security challenges in Rivers State, the welfare of its residents and need to protect national assets in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, alongside heads of other security agencies, have held another stakeholders’ engagement across several local government areas of the state.
The other security agencies were the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder, Department of State Services DSS, Garrison Commander 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC.
The engagement was following the directive of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), aimed at fostering collaboration between security agencies and community actors for the protection of critical national assets.
The programme commenced on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the council secretariats of Emohua and Abua/Odual LGAs, and continued on Saturday, 26th, with stakeholders from Tai, Ogu/Bolo, Okirika, and Eleme LGAs.
During the meeting, the service commanders inspected the health centre and Community Secondary School in Botem Tai. They also inspected the Ogu Police Division.
The Police Commissioner revealed that the service commanders visited the LGAs to discuss prevailing security issues and the welfare of the residents.
Olugbenga emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructures within the communities and called for synergy between the communities and security agencies to ensure the protection of national assets for the benefit of the nation’s economy.
He noted that the engagements were also an avenue to identify challenges facing the communities beyond security concerns, assuring that their complaints would be forwarded to the government for necessary attention.
In Tai LGA
The Administrator of the Council, Chief Nuka O. Gbipah, appealed for the revival of the Soghai farm to create employment opportunities.
Also, His Royal Majesty, King Samuel Lebura Nnee, Gbenemene of Tai, asserted that the LGA remained one of the most peaceful LGAs in the state.
A youth representative, Mr. Ebenezer Letam highlighted the lack of employment opportunities and inadequate staffing in health centres and schools across Bunu, Seme, and Nonwa Tai communities.
Ogu/Bolo LGA
The Administrator, Eliel Owubokiri, assured the security chiefs of the council’s commitment to maintaining peace.
His Royal Highness, Acheseinimie Micah Frank, King of Bolo Kingdom, raised concerns about theft and kidnappings on waterways.
The Chairman of Ogu Council of Chiefs, Adokiye Ochemiebia Chukwu, appealed for a befitting police station building to replace the current temporary arrangement.
The Youth representative, Inime Emmanuel advocated for youth empowerment and employment initiatives.
Also, Mrs. Caroline Adikibiebuma, representing the women, decried the menace of scrap metal scavengers in the community.
Okirika LGA
The Administrator, Thompson Isodiki reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting security agencies.
Prof. Sotonye Fyneface Ogan, Chairman of Kireke Council of Chiefs, identified theft as a persistent problem and requested for an increased police presence.
The youth representatives, Kalada Francis and Tomquimn Satson called for youth skill acquisition programs, the establishment of JAMB CBT centres, and modular refineries, while women’s representative Nene Mordecai advocated for women’s empowerment and improvements at Daka Market.
Eleme LGA
The LGA Administrator, Dr. Gloria Dibia noted that the ongoing construction of the council secretariat had impacted staff productivity. Community chiefs raised concerns over the criminal activities of herders, including kidnapping and farmland destruction.
Chairman of Onne CDC, Chief Sunday Dudu, recommended intensified patrols to curb rising crime rates, while youth representative, Obo Olako urged for an arms mop-up operation. Also, Dick Baiye lamented the epileptic power supply and high electricity tariffs faced by residents.
Emohua LGA
Barrister Franklin Ajinwo, who is the administrator emphasized that adequate security was a primary mandate of his administration. Paramount Ruler of Rundele Clan, His Royal Highness Eze Damian Ejiohuo, appealed for proactive measures to dismantle criminal hideouts, while calling for adequate funding for local security outfits. Similarly, HRH Eze Jonah Nwobodo of Ibaa and Obelle Communities urged the government to revive abandoned facilities such as primary healthcare centres.
Other community stakeholders, including Dr. Gift Asuru and youth chairman, Stephen Onuoha, requested improved security, social amenities, and youth development initiatives.
Further, during the interactive session in Abua/Odual LGA, stakeholders emphasized the need for enhanced security on waterways and around public infrastructure. The King of Abua Kingdom, represented by HRH Temple Macdonald Jamala II, and other community leaders, appealed for infrastructural developments such as road networks, healthcare facilities, potable water, and youth empowerment programs.
The Administrator of Abua/Odual LGA reiterated his commitment to prioritizing security, healthcare, and electrification while soliciting continued support from the communities and the state government.
On his part, the state police command assured the people of its unwavering commitment to partnering with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of lives, property, and critical national assets across the state.
