Community leaders, security officials and youth representatives have moved to calm tensions in parts of Rivers State following recent clashes that unsettled residents and disrupted commercial activities.
The meeting, convened at the Akpor Palace in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, brought together traditional authorities of Akpor Kingdom, representatives of the Hausa community, youth leaders and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The gathering came in response to violent incidents reported in Igwuruta and the Oil Mill Market axis, which heightened fears of further unrest.
Participants described the dialogue as a proactive step to rebuild trust among residents and prevent a breakdown of law and order, says The Punch report.
President-General of the Akpor Youth Assembly, Wali Azubuike, said the priority of the host community was to preserve peace and ensure the area remains safe for residents and businesses.
He, however, urged leaders within the Hausa community to sensitise their members on peaceful conduct, stressing that cooperation among groups was essential to avoid a repeat of the disturbances recorded elsewhere in the state.
As part of efforts to strengthen security, the youth body recommended restrictions on late-night commercial motorcycle operations and called for tighter oversight of activities by scavengers and cart pushers during evening hours.
It also added advocated periodic inspection of refuse dumps, citing concerns that such locations could be exploited for illicit activities.
Azubuike further appealed to community leaders to remain vigilant, particularly as the state approaches another election cycle, and to assist security agencies in identifying suspicious elements.
Responding on behalf of the Hausa community, leader Sulaiman Ubale reaffirmed his group’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with authorities.
He cautioned against generalising criminal acts to any ethnic group, noting that offenders should be treated as individuals under the law.
Ubale disclosed that community leaders had previously handed over suspects implicated in crimes to security agencies, emphasising that wrongdoing would not be tolerated regardless of the offender’s background.
Police representatives at the meeting pledged continued collaboration with local stakeholders to maintain stability, urging residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
At the close of the parley, attendees agreed to sustain dialogue, strengthen community policing efforts and promote mutual respect among all groups as part of a broader strategy to safeguard lives and property in Akpor Kingdom.
