Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich, a gubernatorial aspirant in Rivers State has express sadness and shock over the recent hijack of a commercial bus with passengers traveling to Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area by unidentified gunmen.
Jackrich said the attack which occurred around Ahiankwo Market on the Emohua-Kalabari road at about 7.30 pm Monday is one too many.
According to him, it is unfortunate that even after the combined efforts of the chairmen of Emohua, Degema, Akuku-Toru, and Asari Toru LGAs in constituting a joint security architecture to provide security on that axis, there seems to be no end in sight to this ungodly act by these men of the underworld.
“I, therefore, use this medium to appeal for the unconditional release of innocent victims from the hands of their abductors.
“I also appeal to the Nigerian Police Force and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts in intelligence gathering and search and rescue operations, to ensure the safe release of the victims to enable them to reunite with their families.
“It can be observed that for about seven months, the military had withdrawn from providing surveillance along the Emohua-Kalabari Road.
“The Emohua-Kalabari road is the only road presently that connects the Kalabari Kingdom to other parts of the state, thus, insecurity along that route would impact negatively on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
“It is my humble appeal to the Rivers state government through the chairmen of the four LGAs of Emohua, Degema, Akuku-Toru, and Asari Toru to as a matter of necessity, have a round table discussion with the various heads of security agencies in the state to address the challenges that would have led to their exit from the area.
“Adequate support and logistics should be provided to the security agencies to enable them to provide security in the area, to put an end to these frequent security infractions.
“I equally suggest that where the issues of the security agencies have been attended to, they should establish a checkpoint around the Ahiankwo Market axis and resume the checkpoint at the Ladder to Heaven Church axis.
“It is sad that at this age and time, some misguided youths would still embrace criminality as a means of livelihood; instead of working hard to secure a better future for the next generation.
“This is a defining moment of transition for our dear state; thus, it is my passionate appeal to our youths not to allow themselves to be used as tools to breed insecurity to distract citizens of the state from getting it right this time to elect credible leadership to pilot the affairs of the state.
“Therefore, those involved in criminality should desist forthwith and turn a new leaf before nemesis catches up with them.
“Finally, I urge citizens especially youths of the state to continue to be law-abiding as we get into the electioneering period”.
