Business activities in
Omoku, headquarters of Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have been paralysed following the crisis in the area.
Banks, business centres, shops and  other  business ventures have remained closed as youths have sustained their violent   protest over the banning of Omoku Youth  Association and  Central Community Development Committee by the Executive  Chairman  of the council,  Mr Austine Ahiamadu for security reasons.
The youths  who began the protest since last week  had issued stern warning to all business operators in the area to close  shops till the chairman meets some conditions set by them.
Following the controversy, shop owners and other business operators including banks, eatries  amongst others are strictly heeding the warning for fear of  attracting the wrath of the angry youths who may vandalise their  wares.
Some of the operators who spoke to The Tide  said  the situation was  affecting  everybody as both buyers and sellers of goods and services suffer the consequences of the situation.
Clifford Peter, a provision store owner  said “for days now one has not sold anything and it is affecting my business”.
He appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene in the matter before it gets out of control.
Another respondent said council activities have remained closed as no person is being allowed to go inside the premises of the council secretariat.
The respondent , a staff of the local government council who pleaded anonymity called on the government and law enforcement agencies  in the state to come to their rescue.
A food stuff seller, Madam Maria  Eligwe said the situation was affecting her petty business, adding that “schools have resumed and I don’t have  money to attend to my children’s school needs.”

 
Chris Oluoh