Photo: Rivers Police Spokesperson, Grace. Eringe-Koko (SP) had yet to respond to our inquiry.
By Didimoko A. Didimoko
Diobu and other environs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have been gripped by panic as armed youths and cult groups rain mayhem on residents.
Naija Daily News investigation revealed that no fewer than six persons were killed in the areas in cult-related violence in May.
Last weekend, armed groups patrolled, shooting ceaselessly from Abonema Wharf Road through Udi to the Elechi Beach area.
The gang members move in packs of over 20 menacing-looking boys and sometimes block an entire section of any road they pass.
“On Friday day gunshots rang through from the Education Busstop, with traders locking up shops while those who sell on carts were trapped between the various warring groups.
“We learnt that the fight is over illegal levy collection from the Education area to Sangana Market,” one source in the area told our reporter.
Residents of the area said the police and government seemed to have ceded those areas to criminals who indiscriminately rob and harass pedestrians without unrestrained.
“It is now a norm for armed youths to accost residents and visitors and empty their bags and pockets without any resistance, not from the police or other residents who see it as a normal occurrence.
“On Friday night, dozens of boys were patrolling with big bags. They order anyone they meet to put everything in their possession into the bag. What kind of society is this?”
The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Eringe-Koko, who was contacted, asked our reporter to send an SMS, but she has yet to reply to our text message.
