The improved security
situation in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State has started to make positive impact on the socio-economic life of the area.
Our reporter who visited some parts of Etche recently reports that Okehi, headquarters of the local government that was deserted by business operators, is again witnessing  speedy return of socio-economic activities.
Other parts of Etche have also began to record boom in both social and business activities.
It would be recalled that most parts of the local government area were deserted by business operators due to the violent attacks by cult groups.
The cult clashes led to the death of many persons, a situation that forced business operators to vacate the area.
However, the consistent and unrelenting war against cultism in the area by security agents has resulted in the killings and arrest of majority of the cultists while others are now at large.
Mark Nwaiwu, a resident of Okehi I told our reporter that, the area is now calm and most of the bad boys have been forced out and business life is back to not only Okehi, but most parts of Etche.”
He said market activities, social functions and farming businesses were obstructed by the activities of the cultists and commended the security agents for the success recorded in their renewed onslaught on the cultists.
Miss Chidinma Ekwulo, who owns a provision store in the area said for over one year the cultists sustained their attacks which resulted in the deaths of many innocent people in the area and that she closed her shop for over eight months.
“During the era of the cultists most times, we were attacked and our shops looted. Traders were also attacked in most of the public markets in the area. Several people where killed. This situation scared off most traders and business people in the area.
“I commend the security people. I pray that what we suffered in the recent past should not repeat itself in Etche, she said.

Chris Oluoh