The leadership of the Odiemudie Youth Congress in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State has pledged to sustain the peace and security currently enjoyed in the community, three years after the killing of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Police Division, SP Bako Angbashim.
Angbashim was killed by suspected cultists in Odiemudie on September 8, 2023, in an incident that heightened insecurity and disrupted social and economic activities in the community.
Speaking on the third anniversary of the incident, President of Odiemudie Youth Congress, Dandison Ishieka, expressed regret over the negative image the killing brought to the community.
In an exclusive interview with Revelation Agents, Ishieka said the incident had a devastating impact on Odiemudie, forcing several residents to flee while economic activities were brought to a standstill.
He, however, commended the Rivers State Government, traditional rulers, the local government council, the police and other security agencies, as well as youths in the community, for their roles in restoring peace and normalcy.
Ishieka assured members of the public that Odiemudie is now peaceful and safe for residents, businesses and investors.
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“I want to assure the general public that Odemude is peaceful. We thank God, and we also thank the Honourable Governor, the Royal Majesties, the police and other security agencies for putting in their best to ensure that the community returned to life.
“Everyone is going about their normal business now without fear of harassment or molestation.
“Investors can come to invest in Odiemudie without fear of harassment. I can beat my chest 100 per cent that Odiemudie is peaceful. Any investor can come and conduct their normal business,” he said.
The youth leader also urged young people in Odiemudie and the wider kingdom to protect the prevailing peace and avoid activities that could undermine security in the community.
He specifically warned youths against drug abuse, noting that substance abuse could contribute to criminal behaviour and other activities capable of threatening the peace.
“I urge the youths of the community and our kingdom to maintain the peace so that Odiemudie can move forward. The youths must do their best to avoid the intake of hard drugs that could make them engage in activities they are not supposed to do. They should focus on building a better future,” Ishieka said.
While celebrating the restoration of peace, Ishieka said the community still faced significant developmental challenges three years after the incident.
He appealed to governments at all levels, individuals, and well-meaning Nigerians to support Odiemudie with basic infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes.
“Three years after the incident, the community has remained backward in many areas. We, therefore, appeal to the government and well-meaning individuals to come to our aid.
“We need assistance in healthcare, provision of potable water, electricity, streetlights and youth empowerment. These interventions will help improve the lives of residents and further consolidate the peace we are enjoying,” he said.
