IYC describes hijack of buses as political ploy to reduce Kalabari votes

Brave Dickson

The Kalabari Clan of the Ijaw Youth Council has described the recent hijack of passenger buses plying Kalabari axis as political ploy to reduce the votes of the area in the 2023 general elections.

The Chairman of the Kalabari IYC Clan, Edward Asiki-Tams who condemned the incident in an interview with our correspondent said the ugly incident is happening to make people scared of coming to Kalabari ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

He said the hijack happened on Sunday morning not Monday evening as speculated in some media reports, adding that the victims who safely escaped from the abductors are helping with useful information that can lead to the rescue of those in captivity.

Asiki-Tams called on the Local Government Chairman of Emohua, Chidi LIoyd to take greater responsibility in ensuring that the Emohua/Kalabari axis of the East-West Road is saved.

“The attacks on the two buses occurred within the outskirts of Kalabari; though they were buses plying Buguma and Abonnema from the Port Harcourt Choba Park.

“That Emohua Ahiankwo market is where the incident occurred and it was in that area that Lubrik Construction expatriate was kidnapped few months ago.

“Chidi LIoyd ought to realise that the security of his people and those of his neighbours remains his primary duty as a public servant.

“Therefore, we urge him (Lloyd) to build a strong security synergy with the three LG chairmen of Kalabari land for the purpose of making the Emohua/Kalabari road safer, “he said.

The IYC clan chairman further hinted that his council is in talks with the leadership of Choba Park over the incident so as to bring such crime under control.