The European Union (EU), through its international organization, Search for Common Ground (SEARCH), has joined forces with the Bundu-Ama and Igbisikala-Ama communities in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, along with security agencies, to create a crime-free environment.
As part of these efforts, representatives from SEARCH, community members—including youths, men, and women—and security personnel participated in a Peace Walk over the weekend. The walk covered major streets, beginning in the Old Port Harcourt Township and concluding at the Central Police Station (CPS) and the Borikiri Police Division.
Mr. Yacinthe Agbadjagan, Head of Office and Programme Implementations in the Niger Delta explained that the initiative was designed to foster unity and strengthen collaboration between the communities and security agencies.
He emphasized that the Peace Walk is a key component of the organization’s social cohesion programs aimed at promoting peace and security in Bundu-Ama, Igbisikala-Ama, and the broader Niger Delta region.
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“The social cohesion for youth/communities and government security actors is being implemented across 66 communities in 33 local government areas in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States,” Agbadjagan said. He also commended the communities and security agencies, particularly the Police, for their collaborative efforts in creating a safe and conducive environment for residents and businesses.
Dasika George, Chairman of the Bundu-Ama Elders Council, praised SEARCH for its significant role in restoring peace in the area. He remarked, “Bundu-Ama in the past was tagged a very horrible and volatile place. We are very happy with what Search for Common Ground did for us and is still doing. This NGO has brought peace to Bundu-Ama and in Rivers State by extension.”
George encouraged the youth and residents of Old Port Harcourt Township to support the peace initiatives, noting the positive changes brought about by SEARCH. “Since they came to this area, we have witnessed a lot of changes. Killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities have been minimized. We are happy and grateful to SEARCH and the security agencies for these achievements,” he added.
Similarly, Jeremiah Igbos, Chairman of SEARCH’s Community Peace Architecture in Igbisikala-Ama, highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on his community.
Security agencies involved in the initiative commended SEARCH for its efforts and reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
