Barely five months after four students of the University of Port Harcourt were allegedly murdered at Omuokiri, Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the near total break-down of law and order in the area, peace and normal social life have finally returned in the community.

The Tide investigations reveal that normal social activities have gradually started picking up in the community as a result of the restoration of peace in the area.

The four students who were allegedly murdered in cold blood on October 5, 2012, include Chiodika Lordson (Theatre Arts), Ugonna Kelechi Chibuzor (Geology), Mike Lloyd Toku (Civil Engineering) and their friend, Tekena Erikena.

Our correspondent who visited Omuokiri community, Wednesday, reports that many people were seen to be going about their normal businesses without any form of molestation and fear, while new buildings were seen springing up in all directions in the community.

Work on the rehabilitation of the UNIPORT Aluu Road was on-going, as workers of the construction company handling the project were seen on their duty posts just as commercial bus and taxi operators made the most of the busy atmosphere to maximize profit.

Cosmetics stores, mechanic workshops, among others were visibly experiencing a beehive of activities as businesses transactions were at their peak, according to residents.

Investigations also revealed that there was no presence of heavily armed security operatives in the community as was the situation immediately after the killing last year.

Some residents of the community who spoke to The Tide said normalcy has finally returned to the community but regretted that some people who left the community were yet to return as a result of fear of arrest and harassment by police and the JTF.

Mr Best Frank, a fast food operator in the area said the community now enjoys relative peace devoid of any form of intimidation, adding that both indigenes and strangers now live in harmony in the community.

He commended the state government and the various security agencies for ensuring that peace returned in the area, which according to him was marred by students unrest and disturbances following the incident.

Also speaking, Mr Uche Nwobisike, an auto mechanic in the community while corroborating the views of Mr Frank said the only challenge facing residents was the slow pace of businesss in the area.

In their views, some students of the university who reside in the community including Ahukama Joy, Kadara Fred and Chioma Menajo, said that relative peace and tranquility has returned in the area.

They, however, regretted the ugly October 5, 2012 incident that occurred in the community and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the inhuman act are brought to book.

In his remarks, Mr Emmanuel Dick, a resident of the community, confirmed that although some level of peace has returned in the area, some of the residents who deserted the community in the aftermath of the incident were still skeptical to return.

According to him, the people of the community were noted for their peaceful and hospitable nature, especially to strangers, adding that what happened last year was strange to the people.

He commended the state government for the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road linking the community to the university, adding that both strangers and the indigenes now live as one big family.

Responding to the situation of things in Omuokiri, the deputy registrar, Public Relations Officer (PRO), University of Port Harcourt, Dr Williams Wodi said the university has not received any complaints from either the students or staff residing in the community, adding that the management of the institution met with the community on the need to sustain peace shortly after the incident.

The UNIPORT spokesman said that Aluu community has been the second home for both students and staff of the institution, adding that the incident was not a call to arm between the university and the community