The Chief Security Officer of the Local Vigilante Group in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers  State, Dickson Ngbuomahum, has linked the rising kidnapping along the Elele Omerelu and Elele Isokpo road to the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Speaking in reaction to a viral video of kidnapped passengers along the road recently, Ngbuomahum, alleged that the Council Chairman, Mr. Isreal  Abosi, created a parallel security officer which according to him, enabled the return of individuals previously driven out from the area for alleged involvement in the kidnapping and other criminal activities. 

The Chairman of the local security outfit, known as OSPAC, also alleged that their operations in protecting the area have been impeded by the activities of the current council chairman. 

Ngbuomahum said; “The ongoing political crisis in the State is responsible for the increase in kidnapping,  some people who were driven away  because  of their nefarious activities have purportedly returned.” 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ikwere Council,  Isreal Abosi, has vowed to tackle insecurity and youth restiveness in the area.

He warned anyone with criminal tendencies to drop the arms or exit the Council as his government would not tolerate criminality,  adding that they would surely go after them, fish them out, and make them face the full weight of the law.

The Chairman, however, promised to empower the youths and provide electricity in the communities as part of his policy to encourage and ensure economic growth in the areas.

In another development, the Rivers  State Government has disbanded all local government road officials. This follows allegations of emotions, harassment, and intimidation by the officials of residents. 

The commissioner for Transport, Mr. Collins Onuwo, said the decision was a sequel to the growing public alarm including a viral video showing a task force allegedly harassing and extorting money from a woman. 

The Guardian gathered that the officials in the viral video were driving against traffic to a POS operator where they forced the victim to withdraw N40,000 and pay them.

 The  Commissioner emphasised that the Rivers State Governor under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has a human face and will not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation by residents under the guise of task operations. 

 He assured that the government will reconstitute a task force to regulate the activities of motorists at the appropriate time.