…residents seek government, police intervention
Growing insecurity across communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has triggered widespread concern, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the state government and security agencies.
In Ukwa Town, reports indicate that suspected gunmen recently invaded the Mbabo Royal House, destroying properties, setting houses ablaze and vandalising the monument statue of the community’s king. The incident has heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for decisive action to stem violence in the area.
Community leaders and youths say Andoni, once largely peaceful, has increasingly been drawn into violent conflicts linked to political rivalry, cult activities and communal disputes. They lament that while other local government areas in the state have experienced similar challenges, they have continued to record visible development, unlike Andoni, which they say remains largely neglected.
In an open message circulating within the area, concerned stakeholders warned that persistent violence has diverted attention from the real struggle for development and accountability.
“Andoni is not cursed,” the statement read. “What we need is consciousness, unity and the courage to demand accountability from leaders and politicians who have failed us.”
Residents listed key development deficits in the local government area, including the absence of a JAMB-accredited centre, lack of a functional higher institution, poor road infrastructure and the absence of basic facilities such as functional filling stations, despite the presence of oil and gas activities across Andoni communities.
Tension has further escalated in Oyorokoto, described as the largest fishing settlement in West Africa, following reports that gunmen issued a three-day ultimatum to residents. Many inhabitants are said to have fled or gone into hiding, fearing a repeat of deadly clashes that occurred in December last year, allegedly linked to rival cult groups and community disputes.
Oyorokoto and neighbouring settlements depend almost entirely on fishing for survival, and residents warn that prolonged insecurity could cripple livelihoods and trigger severe hardship.
In a separate appeal, youth leader Godstime Monday Ogodo urged community leaders to take immediate steps, including formally petitioning the governor, staging a peaceful protest at Government House to draw attention to the crisis, and engaging federal lawmaker Rep. Abiante to intervene.
He warned that continued insecurity could erode public confidence in governance and political participation in the area.
Residents have also appealed to the Rivers State Police Command, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy to increase their presence in Andoni to calm tensions and prevent further bloodshed.
Community voices continue to urge restraint, calling on aggrieved groups to abandon retaliation and embrace dialogue in the interest of peace and development.
“If we do not come together and put aside our differences,” a resident said, “investors will stay away, and Andoni will continue to suffer. Peace is the foundation of progress.”
