Etche, Rivers State –– The Rivers State Government has pledged urgent intervention to address escalating security threats and infrastructural decay in Etche Local Government Area (LGA), following a high-stake assessment visit by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, representing the Administrator of Rivers State.
The visit, which included a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, and security agencies, exposed deep-seated challenges, including rampant kidnappings, herdsmen attacks, collapsing healthcare and education systems, and crippling unemployment.
“We Sleep With One Eye Open”: Etche Residents Raise Alarm Over Insecurity
Hon. Onyenachi Nwankwor, Administrator of Etche LGA, painted a grim picture of the security situation, citing frequent land grabbing, kidnappings, and violent herdsmen invasions that have made farming—a major livelihood—dangerous.
Silas Anyanwu, President-General of Ogbakor Etche, echoed the fears, stating, “Our people now sleep with one eye open. Herdsmen demand money before allowing farmers access to their own lands. Just recently, an Apara man was assaulted for refusing to pay N6,000 to enter his farm.”
Chief Joseph Amaechi accused Miyetti Allah leaders of deliberately avoiding security meetings, worsening tensions between herders and locals.
Collapsing Infrastructure: Hospitals Shut, Schools in Ruins
The decay in public infrastructure emerged as another critical concern:
Healthcare Crisis: Etche, which once had two functional hospitals, now struggles with only one. The Okehi General Hospital and Umuede Health Centre are completely non-operational, leaving thousands without medical care.
Education in Shambles: Schools lack teachers, and facilities are dilapidated, forcing many children out of classrooms.
No Electricity, Piling Refuse: Dr. Godspower Nwala, CDC Chairman, lamented the absence of electricity in Okehi, worsening security, while poor waste management has turned parts of Etche into a health hazards.
Youth Unemployment Fuels Crime, Drug Abuse
Youth representatives warned of a looming explosion of violence if nothing is done to address joblessness.
“Our youths are turning to drugs and crime because there are no opportunities. If the government does not act fast, we may be forced to take matters into our own hands,” a youth leader declared.
Stakeholders called for the revival of the Delta Rubber Company and other industries to provide jobs and curb restiveness.
Government’s Response: Immediate Security Boost, Infrastructure Revamp
In response, CP Adepoju assured residents that the state government would take decisive action:
Enhanced Security: Additional police deployments to flashpoints, stricter monitoring of herdsmen activities, and engagement with Miyetti Allah leadership.
Infrastructure Overhaul: Urgent rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, and sanitation systems.
Economic Revival: Plans to attract investors to revive the Delta Rubber Company and launch skills acquisition programs for youths.
Hon. Nwankwor appealed for swift implementation, stating, “We know the criminals—they are our own children. Give them jobs, security, and a future, and peace will return.”
A Call for Patience and Partnership
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to restoring peace and development in Etche. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding while supporting security efforts.
“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon Etche,” CP Adepoju vowed.
