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Leaders of Akpor Kingdom, the Hausa community in Rivers State and other stakeholders have met to address recent unrest in parts of the state.
The security meeting, held at the Akpor Palace in Obio/Akpor Local Council, followed clashes in Igwuruta and at Oil Mill Market, where members of the Hausa community reportedly confronted local residents, heightening tensions and raising safety concerns.
The parley brought together the Akpor Youth Assembly, Hausa community leaders and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including Divisional Police Officers from Choba and Ozuoba divisions.
President-General of the Akpor Youth Assembly, Wali Azubuike, described the gathering as a sensitisation effort aimed at strengthening unity and preventing further violence.
Referring to the disturbances in Igwuruta and Eleme, he said Akpor must avoid similar incidents.
“We want total peace in Akpor Kingdom. We are urging Hausa community leaders to step up and caution their people so that Akpor can remain conducive for business,” he said.
The youth body proposed security measures, including restricting commercial motorcycle operations after 11:00 p.m., while scavengers and cart pushers were advised to cease activities from 7:00 p.m.
Azubuike also called for closer monitoring of dumpsites, alleging they had been used to conceal arms or facilitate drug peddling.
“We want dumpsites to be properly monitored from time to time to know what is going on there,” he said, adding that with elections approaching, community leaders should help identify residents and isolate criminal elements.
In response, Hausa community leader Sulaiman Ubale pledged cooperation with security agencies, the Akpor Council of Chiefs and youth groups to sustain peace.
He cautioned against profiling any group, noting that criminal activity was not limited to one community.
“We have arrested more than 40 Hausa suspects for various crimes. We do not support wrongdoing, even if you are our brother. If anyone is caught committing a crime, whether indigene or Hausa, the person should face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Stakeholders agreed to maintain dialogue and collaboration to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence in Akpor Kingdom. (The Guardian)
