By Progress Umor Daniel
The growing claim in some quarters that “Abua is safe” demands urgent clarification. While efforts to promote a positive image of Abua/Odual Local Government Area are understandable, the harsh reality on the Ahoada–Abua Road, the principal route that connect Abua central to Ahoada and the rest of Rivers State raises a fundamental question:
Can the Abuans truly be considered safe when their only major access road has become a danger zone?
Security is not defined solely by what happens within the territorial boundaries of a community. True safety includes secure access routes, freedom of movement, protection of lives and property, and the ability of citizens to carry out their economic and social activities without fear. When the only major passage into and out of a community becomes unsafe, the entire area is effectively isolated and vulnerable.
Over the past several months, the Ahoada–Abua Road, particularly the stretch between Odiabidi and Edoaha, has reportedly witnessed repeated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, abduction, and murder. Victims have included traders, transporters, workers, and ordinary commuters, many of whom are residents of Abua/Odual.
Between October and December 2025, several disturbing incidents were reported, including:
The abduction of a pastor from Emoh Community near Okporowo.
The hijacking of a truck carrying provisions, with goods forcefully offloaded by armed criminals.
The abduction and subsequent killing of a woman, a driver, and another passenger along the road.
Multiple attacks on traders whose goods and belongings were stolen, with reports of women being assaulted.
The seizure of a lorry load of wood belonging to Mr. Chinedu, with criminals demanding ₦300,000 as ransom.
The kidnapping of Mr. Ogini Aruunmo from Omelema, who remains missing.
The killing of a company driver employed by Mrs. Victoria Ode ThankGod while returning to Abua.
The fatal shooting of a young man for his motorcycle.
The recent killing of a truck driver on the same road
These incidents represent only a fraction of the cases reportedly occurring along this route, many of which go undocumented. Disturbingly, a large proportion of the victims are said to be indigenes and residents of Abua/Odual, reinforcing the perception that the road has become a trap targeting commuters from the area.
The economic consequences are already evident. Traders have lost millions of naira worth of goods, transporters now travel in fear, and commercial activity, particularly at the Anyiezi Market has declined sharply as buyers avoid the route due to insecurity. Families are losing livelihoods, while communities are gripped by fear.
The Abua/Odual Local Government Council has condemned these attacks and indicated that some of the criminal activities are linked to elements operating from neighboring areas within Ahoada East. The council has also spoken of engagements with security agencies and neighboring authorities. However, the continued reports of attacks suggest that stronger and more coordinated measures are urgently required.
Equally troubling is the absence of consistent public updates regarding arrests, investigations, or concrete security breakthroughs from relevant security agencies. The lack of visible enforcement actions, combined with limited coverage from mainstream media platforms, risks deepening public anxiety and eroding trust in the systems meant to protect citizens.
If this situation is allowed to persist, the consequences could be severe, it paralyzed the economy as traders and transporters avoided the route. It will reduced access to healthcare, education, and essential services. It will heightened poverty and unemployment due to declining commercial activity. The tragic effect on the family and the communities is that a lives is gone, a woman is now a widows, and the children will be orphans. By the time the other communities say no to these then there is a potential inter-communal war, which also create another expansion of criminal networks into surrounding communities.
It is important to call on the Government at all levels, the security agencies, and local community authorities to urgently prioritize the security of the Ahoada–Abua Road, which serves as a critical lifeline for thousands of residents by taking immediate steps as safety cannot be achieved through declarations alone. It must be demonstrated through visible protection, effective enforcement, and sustained commitment.
The issue before us is therefore not merely whether “Abolga is safe.” The real question is: How many more lives must be endangered before the Ahoada–Abua Road is secured? The people of Abua/Odual not only deserve but have the constitutional right of freedom to travel, trade, work, and live without fear. Securing this vital road is not just a local concern it is a matter of justice, governance, and the fundamental responsibility to protect citizens.
Thank you and God bless Rivers State,God continue to bless Abua/Odual
Umor Daniel writes from Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital
