Rivers community leaders urged to tackle crime

The Rivers Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Oliver Wolugbom, has called on the traditional institutions to evolve ways of tackling the spate of insecurity and criminality in the state.

Wolugbom made the call while reacting to the spate of cult clashes in some parts of the state, which had left behind sad tales by the residents.

He decried the situation where clashes had led to beheading of some persons and destruction of houses and other valuables.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recently, Ibaa, Oduoha and Omudioga communities in Emohua Council Area were engulfed in tragic inter-cult clashes making many to flee to neighbouring towns for safety.

The NOA boss said that the issue of violence in Rivers communities had become a hydra-headed monster that required traditional leaders to play active roles.

“Their roles are crucial because those involved in the violence are their subjects; they need to work with relevant authorities to ensure that evil is called evil.

“We cannot continue to live this way, we need to transfer good values to our younger ones, we need to all get involved to tackle this monster,’’ he said.

He further said that the disturbances in the communities were capable of affecting the occupations of the people.

“Before you know it, we will start witnessing increase in the costs of farm produce because the people have fled the communities.

“This is not the way to go, communities need to live in peace, so that the traditional occupations of the people can be sustained,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers, ASP. Nnamdi Omoni, said that policemen had been dispatched to the cult infested communities to ensure the return of law and order.

(NAN)