After years of tension, fear, and insecurity, normal life appears to be returning to Borokiri, a once-troubled community in the heart of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Residents say that the area, which had long suffered from frequent robberies and night-time violence, is now experiencing a remarkable improvement in security and public safety.
Borokiri, known for its strategic location and network of well-designed roads, is today regarded as one of the safest areas in Port Harcourt. The community now enjoys functioning streetlights, regular police patrols, and a strong security presence — developments that have significantly restored public confidence.
“I will say Borokiri is now peaceful,” said Favour Morris Sanugba, a resident. “The crime rate has reduced. People don’t complain as much as before. You can stay outside till 11 or 12 midnight without getting robbed.”
Other residents share similar sentiments. Goodness, another resident, said, “Borokiri is now calm. But the problem we are having is that boys and girls don’t sleep. They come out around 2 to 3 a.m. to make noise and disturb the peace.”
For Nurse Joy, the presence of security forces has been the major factor behind the relative calm. “Borokiri is now calm because of the navy base at Egbema,” she said. “But the only problem we are having is that there is no good road.”
Success, who lives around the Etche area of Borokiri, agreed that things have improved but warned that pockets of petty theft still occur. “Etche in Borokiri is a little bit calm now,” she said. “Before, around 6 or 7 p.m., people were scared to move out. But now, people can come out by that time without getting robbed.”
The renewed sense of security has boosted social life in Borokiri, with residents staying out later and small businesses staying open longer. While challenges remain — such as noise disturbances and poor road conditions — many locals say they are simply grateful that peace has returned to their community.
By Favour Morris and Omowumi Dede
