As the Christmas season draws near, the Rivers State command of the Nigeria Police Force has issued a serious advisory against night time travel on the Elele-Omerelu and Isiokpo-Elele Roads within the Ikwerre Local Government Area, citing an increase in kidnappings and other criminal activities in that area.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, communicated this warning during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He underscored that the command has intensified security protocols along these routes to effectively tackle the prevailing security issues.
Mustapha revealed, “We have carried out a comprehensive security deployment along the roads from Airport Roundabout Omagwa to Isiokpo, Elele, and extending to the boundary with Imo, and from Elele to Omoku, Elele-Alumini. By the grace of God, these areas are now fortified.
“We are urging road users to limit their movements during the night hours. Traveling after midnight is extremely risky. Our goal is to make these roads safer for everyone throughout the holiday season and beyond.”
The commissioner further revealed that the command has initiated discussions with local vigilante organizations in the region to seek enduring solutions to the security issues at hand.
These conversations have brought to light the participation of certain former members of local vigilante groups, particularly the Onelga Security Peace Advisory Committee, in the current criminal activities.
Mustapha said, “We identified through our discussions with the vigilante leaders that some of these criminal activities are perpetrated by individuals who once belonged to OSPAC.
“These are not just ordinary criminals but former members of the same organization who have turned to criminality. They take advantage of our weakened presence to carry out their activities.
“The leadership of OSPAC has assured us they are committed to helping us identify and arrest these culprits. They have pledged their support in flushing out these bad elements from their ranks.”
In 2016, it is noteworthy that ongoing kidnappings on these routes prompted the creation of several police checkpoints aimed at addressing the issue.
Henzodaily understands that in spite of these interventions, criminal activities have reemerged on the Elele-Isiokpo and Elele-Omerelu Roads.
This resurgence has been underscored by a recent video in which kidnapping victims shared their harrowing experiences.
The victims reported being transported to a secluded farmland littered with corpses, indicating that numerous abducted travelers continue to be held captive along these roads in Rivers State.