The Rivers State House of Assembly has been formally petitioned regarding a troubling surge in insecurity within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
During Friday’s plenary, the House received an urgent petition from the Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council. The document outlines a series of alarming reports concerning security breaches, direct threats to life, and the systematic, illegal takeover of private and communal properties by unidentified individuals.
Escalating Threat to Peace
According to the petition, these "unknown individuals" have been operating with increasing boldness, displacing residents and intimidating property owners. The Council Chairman described the situation as a "direct challenge to the rule of law," noting that the activities of these groups have created an atmosphere of fear among constituents, disrupting local commerce and daily life.
"We are witnessing a situation where individuals, acting without any legal authority, are forcibly seizing properties and issuing threats to the lives of our people," the petition reads. "The security architecture of the local government is under strain, and we urgently require the intervention of the State Assembly and security agencies to restore order."
Assembly Response
The petition has stirred significant concern among lawmakers, who underscored the importance of Obio/Akpor as a critical economic hub for the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, directed that the matter be forwarded to the relevant House Committee on Security for an immediate and thorough investigation. The Committee has been tasked with:
Investigating the source: Identifying the groups responsible for the illegal takeovers.
Engaging Security Agencies: Coordinating with the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct a sweeping operation in affected areas.
Reporting Findings: Presenting a detailed report to the House within the next seven days, including recommendations for legislative or executive intervention.
Public Call for Vigilance
The Assembly has urged residents of Obio/Akpor and surrounding areas to remain calm but vigilant. Lawmakers advised community members to document and report any suspicious activities particularly those involving property disputes or threats to the nearest police station or the local council office immediately.
The investigation comes as part of a wider legislative effort to address security challenges across the state, ensuring that the "illegal takeover of properties" does not become a recurring trend in the capital city.
We will continue to monitor the proceedings of the House Committee as they investigate this situation. Stay tuned to PORTHARCOURTBLOG for further updates.
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