As the festive season draws near, the Rivers State Police Command has issued a strong advisory against traveling at night along the Elele-Omerelu and Isiokpo-Elele Roads in Ikwerre Local Government Area. This warning comes in response to the increasing incidences of kidnappings and other criminal activities on these routes.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, delivered the caution during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Mustapha assured the public that enhanced security measures have been implemented to address the situation. He stated, “We have carried out a comprehensive security deployment along the roads from Airport Roundabout Omagwa to Isiokpo, Elele, and extending to the boundary with Imo, and from Elele to Omoku, Elele-Alumini. By the grace of God, these areas are now fortified.”
He also urged travelers to exercise caution, particularly during late hours. “We are urging road users to limit their movements during the night hours. Traveling after midnight is extremely risky. Our goal is to make these roads safer for everyone throughout the holiday season and beyond,” he said.
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To reinforce these efforts, the police command has engaged local vigilante groups to find lasting solutions to the security challenges. Mustapha noted that some criminal activities have been linked to former members of these vigilante groups, specifically the Onelga Security Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC).
“We identified through our discussions with the vigilante leaders that some of these criminal activities are perpetrated by individuals who once belonged to OSPAC. These are not just ordinary criminals but former members of the same organization who have turned to criminality. They take advantage of our weakened presence to carry out their activities,” Mustapha disclosed.
He added, “The leadership of OSPAC has assured us they are committed to helping us identify and arrest these culprits. They have pledged their support in flushing out these bad elements from their ranks.”
This warning follows a resurgence of criminal activity along these roads, despite previous security interventions.
