Dismantle Illegal Road Blocks, Arrest Offenders In Etche, Monarch Begs Police, Others

The traditional prime minister and the Ochimba-elect of Akwukabi community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Precious Dike, has called on the Rivers State Government, the police and other security agencies to checkmate and arrest those responsible for the mounting and occupation of illegal road blocks across Etche communities, saying that they use such opportunity to kidnap and maim innocent road users in the area.
Dike, who made this call while speaking with newsmen in his palace at Umuezibe village, Saturday, condemned the notorious activities of some faceless persons who now parade themselves across local routes in the disguise of collecting money from oil bunkerers, thereby taking the opportunity to rob and kidnap unsuspecting individuals plying the roads in the area.
According to the community leader, “Innocent road users are now robbed and kidnapped on daily basis, and it is worrisome that the police and other security agencies have remained silent on such serious issue”.
He used the opportunity to call on the state government to enforce the regulation of the activities of illegal oil bunkering operators in the state, adding that security agents who were posted to strategic positions along the roads allow themselves to be used in such an illegal act.
“It is very worrisome and disappointing that the security agents will be escorting illegal bunkering products in the state; what will now be the fate of the civilians?” he asked.
“You would recall that the Rivers State Government had in previous months declared fight on illegal oil bunkering in the state but the business between the security agents and the oil bunkers has remained unclear”, he stated.
The traditional ruler, however, urged both state and local government authorities to swing into action, and find a lasting solution to the menace by stopping the ongoing economic sabotage.

By: Akujobi Amadi