The Rivers Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO) has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take immediate action against illegal task forces allegedly terrorising, harassing, and extorting residents in Rivers State.

The group condemned the alarming increase in illegal task force operations in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and neighbouring councils. Observations revealed that youth groups wearing blue and yellow vests with state government tags move around in keke buses, arresting and extorting motorists.

Investigations also found that individuals in the state have established illegal task forces that harass citizens and take them to unauthorised parks or garages, where victims are defrauded of amounts, ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000.

The statement, signed by RIVCSO spokesperson Tuka Loanyie, warned that the group would organise a massive protest with victims if urgent action is not taken. It criticised the state government for allowing miscreants to terrorise and extort the public amid the current harsh economic conditions.

“The daily harassment, intimidation, and extortion of bus drivers, taxi drivers, private car owners, and business operators in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, and other areas have worsened and are unacceptable,” the group stated.

“We are aware of numerous complaints from citizens who have fallen victim to these miscreants, who are reportedly backed by politicians and their allies. The most notorious locations include Rumuola, Garrison, CFC, Water Lines, Artillery, and Eleme Junction. While these activities existed during the immediate past administration, they appear to have intensified following the election of new local government chairmen.”

RIVCSO called on Governor Fubara to address the issue urgently by disbanding all forms of task forces in the state and replacing them with organised traffic marshals accountable to the government and the people of Rivers State.

“The current task forces are an embarrassment to the state, tarnishing its image before foreigners and non-indigenes conducting business here. We also urge the Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute those responsible for these illegal activities,” the group added.

The organisation encouraged residents and commercial drivers affected by the menace to file petitions with the Commissioner of Police and join a peaceful protest at the Government House to amplify their demands for an end to the illegal activities.

“Something must be done now to prevent further escalation of this issue. We cannot stand idly by while citizens lawfully going about their activities are harassed and extorted in this difficult economic climate,” the group concluded.