Security Chiefs Finger Criminals From Imo, Abia …For Kidnappings In Rivers

It is now known that majority of the kidnappings that occurred in Rivers State were the handiwork of criminals from Abia and Imo states. The revelation was made by the duo of the Rivers State Director of State Security Services (SSS) and the Police Commissioner, Mr Bala Hassan while hosting Course 18 participants of the National Defense College in a course tour of Rivers State. Director of SSS, Mr Bassey Etteh declared that about three quarters of kidnappings in Rivers State have their traces from the South-Eastern states, mostly Abia and Imo. As a result of this development, he stated that, “ there is a strategic enforcement from corresponding states to curb the problem”. Mr Etteh noted that the lack of technical equipment make is more difficult to fully checkmate crimes from neighbouring states. He explained that the status of Port Harcourt as the hub of oil and gas activities creates varied security problems as people from all parts of the country are attracted to the state for economic reasons. Unfortunately, he said the situation has turned a security challenge as the authorities are battling to contain the swelling crime but said kidnappings have reduced in the last few months. In his presentation, Mr Hassan stated that as indication of declining kidnappings, the state recorded only 14 cases in September as compared to 16 in August. The Rivers State Police boss said the location of the state also contributes to the security challenges, “the boundary is not helping maters because we notice incursions once in a while. ‘Violent crimes like armed robbery, kidnappings continue to occur. However, on assuming office I identified black spots and introduced 24 hour patrol.” He cited the case of the Greater Bullion Van Recovery that was conducted by men of the police at a boundary town near Abia State as one of the examples, saying that the security agency has equally foiled kidnap attempts and criminal hideouts in boundary communities between Rivers and Abia states. On how the government was utilizing the youths to checkmate crime, the police chief said 2000 man Neigbourhood Watch, a security outfit has contributed immensely in using the youths to raise the security status of the state. He commended the Rivers State Government for floating the Neighbourhood Watch saying it has provided jobs for the teeming state youths by channeling their energies to useful activities.