The Rivers State Police Command has stepped in to restore calm following a security incident along the Eleme/Okrika axis of the state, which was triggered by a long-running land dispute between two neighbouring communities.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, July 2, heightened tensions in the area, although no lives were lost. However, a Hilux vehicle was set ablaze during the unrest.

In response, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, convened a high-level peace meeting on Friday at the Command Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, bringing together key stakeholders to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

The meeting was attended by the chairmen of Okrika, Eleme and Etche Local Government Areas, security chiefs, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders, who deliberated on measures to restore peace and prevent a recurrence of the violence.

It was gathered that the dispute, which has lingered for several years, centres on the ownership of a parcel of land claimed by the affected communities. The matter is currently before a competent court for determination.

Despite the shooting incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo confirmed that no casualty was recorded, while investigations have commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

At the meeting, it was learned that stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence and closer collaboration with security agencies to ensure that the dispute does not degenerate into a wider conflict.

The Commissioner of Police assured those present that the command would remain impartial in handling the matter while ensuring adequate security in the affected communities.

He also disclosed that investigations were ongoing and pledged that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The stakeholders also resolved to strengthen existing security measures and sustain engagements with community leaders as part of efforts to preserve peace pending the outcome of the court process.

Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities were urged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of escalating tensions.

The police expressed confidence that sustained dialogue among the parties, combined with ongoing security operations and the legal process already before the court, would help guarantee lasting peace along the Eleme/Okrika axis.