Rivers State Government has pledged immediate intervention to address worsening security and developmental issues in Etche Local Government Area, following a high-level assessment visit led by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, on behalf of the State Administrator.
During the visit, which featured engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies, pressing concerns were raised about rising insecurity, decaying infrastructure, youth unemployment, and ongoing land encroachment by herdsmen.
Etche LGA Administrator, Hon. Onyenachi Nwankwor, described the security situation as dire, citing rampant kidnapping, land grabbing, and violent herdsmen activities that have left many residents in fear and farmers unable to access their lands. “We know the criminals, and they are our children. We need jobs, better healthcare, and security to give them a better path,” he said.
The President-General of Ogbakor Etche, Silas Anyanwu, recounted a recent incident in which a local man was assaulted by herders for refusing to pay N6,000 to access his farmland. Community elder, Chief Joseph Amaechi, condemned the repeated absence of Miyetti Allah representatives at security forums, describing it as a calculated act of negligence.
Beyond security, stakeholders lamented the collapse of basic services. Once boasting two operational hospitals, Etche now relies on a single health facility, while others, such as the Okehi General Hospital and Umuede Health Centre, remain closed. Schools in the area suffer from dilapidated structures and acute teacher shortages, while erratic power supply and poor waste management compound the community’s hardship.
Youth leaders painted a grim picture of rising joblessness and drug abuse, warning of potential unrest if immediate steps are not taken to provide employment and skills training. Calls were also made to revive the defunct Delta Rubber Company to stimulate the local economy and absorb idle youths.
In response, Commissioner Adepoju emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating crime. He assured that the police would increase patrols, particularly in affected areas, and initiate dialogue with herdsmen representatives to find lasting solutions.
“The Rivers State Government is committed to restoring peace and development in Etche,” he stated, adding that urgent steps would be taken to rehabilitate healthcare centers, revamp schools, and roll out youth empowerment initiatives.
As part of the state’s action plan, additional security personnel will be deployed to hotspots, stakeholder meetings with herdsmen leaders will be convened, and talks will be held with investors to revive dormant economic projects, including the rubber company.
The visit signals the government’s intention to tackle Etche’s multi-faceted challenges through a coordinated, long-term strategy. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, report security breaches, and work hand-in-hand with authorities to reclaim the community’s stability and prosperity.
