… Residents live in Fear as Gang Violence Escalates
A wave of violent cult clashes and armed robberies has gripped the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving residents in several suburbs terrified and calling for urgent government intervention.
Over the past few weeks, communities including Mile 1, Nsukka, Udi, Njemanze, Elechi, and Illoabuchi have witnessed repeated attacks by rival gang members, with reports of shootings, killings, and robberies occurring almost daily.
Residents say the ongoing gang violence in Port Harcourt has turned previously bustling areas into danger zones, especially during evening hours.
“It was a sleepless night for us,” a resident told [Your News Platform]. “The shooting continued from Sunday night into the early hours of Monday. Many families were forced to flee their homes for safety.”
Dozens Killed in Diobu as Insecurity Worsens
Sources confirm that at least 12 people—mainly suspected cultists—have been killed in recent weeks. Several others, including innocent bystanders, have been injured by stray bullets during gun battles between rival groups.
In addition to the fatalities, passersby, commuters, and shop owners in areas such as Education Bus Stop, Sangana Market, and Abali Park have fallen victim to indiscriminate robberies and assaults carried out by machete- and gun-wielding youths aged between 15 and 20.
“These boys attack in broad daylight,” said a trader in Sangana Market. “They took phones, cash, and other valuables. Some of us had to close our shops for fear of being caught in the violence.”
Police Allegedly Overlook Violent Attacks
Despite the presence of police checkpoints and a nearby police station, eyewitnesses say law enforcement officers have failed to intervene or stop the attackers.
“It’s suspicious. The police station is less than 100 meters away, yet these criminals operated for hours without being challenged,” a resident said.
Over the weekend, residents and shopkeepers on Abba Street and nearby areas were reportedly forced indoors as heavily armed gangs moved freely, terrorising the community.
Political Ties, Cult-Related Levies Fueling Insecurity
Sources suggest that the current surge in violence in Port Harcourt may be linked to disputes over illegal levies collected by gang leaders, many of whom are allegedly used by political thugs affiliated with local politicians.
As cult clashes in Diobu intensify, civil society groups and residents are urging the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to take decisive action to restore peace and protect innocent lives.
Many futile attempts were made to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Eringe-Koko, who had yet to respond to our several text message requests for inquiries and has also not returned several calls to her official telephone lines.
