The Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness Acheseinimie Micah Frank, has raised alarm over the increasing rate of theft and insecurity in the area, calling on government authorities to take urgent action.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with security service chiefs at the Ogu/Bolo Council Secretariat over the weekend, HRH Frank expressed deep concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions and the impact of criminal activities on the local populace.
“Stealing is on the increase, they go as far as stealing pots of soup. The government should make deliberate efforts to empower people in the LGA and improve our economic activities.”
He further pointed out the escalating security threats along the waterways, stressing that the menace of kidnapping by armed pirates has hindered fishing activities, a major source of livelihood in the community.
Also Read: Bille Indigenes Regains Freedom After 12 Days in Captivity
“There are kidnappings along our waterways. If we cannot fish due to the activities of sea pirates, it means we cannot feed. They carry out kidnappings with AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, not cutlasses. We need protection for our waterways,” he said.
The meeting was part of a statewide tour by a delegation of security chiefs led by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, acting on the directive of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas.
CP Adepoju assured stakeholders that their concerns would be relayed to the state administrator for swift intervention.
It will be recalled that Vice Admiral Ibas had mandated security agencies to engage with communities across the state to better understand their security and socio-economic challenges and implement responsive strategies.
