Rukpokwu, New Hideout for Militants - Police
Ru k p o k w u Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State may have been presently, kept under serious surveillance by men of the Nigerian Police following an alleged increase in crime in the area. The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Area, Mr. Gbenga Adepoju (Superintendent of Police), who disclosed this during an exclusive chat with our correspondent in his office at the Divisional Police Headquarters recently, described the area as a new hideout for militants. According to him, Militants and other disgruntled persons who were displaced by the Joint Military Task Force in the state have relocated to the area. He blamed the several uncompleted buildings in the area for the development.

He said that the hoodlums sneaked into the area in an attempt to beat security trails. He however lamented the lack of cooperation from indigenes and residents of the community in giving necessary information to the police. "Rukpokwu is now the new hideout for militants and hoodlums. Generally, the crime rate has reduced, but the hoodlums seemed to have concentrated their hideouts here.

"The indigenes are not cooporating with the police. They are currently taking advantage of the uncompleted buildings here and there and the new roads that are being opened," he stated. On the steps taken to address the situation, the DPO informed that heavily armed policemen are working round the clock in the area to ensure protection of lives and property. "Response time to distress has made things easy for the people.

We are always around. The response time has improved, especially in the wee hours. We are always there", he stressed. He however, called on indigenes and residents of the area to always give out information on the activities of criminals in the area for prompt action, while also urging them to institute vigilante groups in the area to supplement the efforts of the police.

Walter Duru

Akufest Kicks Off in Abonema
Asix-day Cultural Carnival has kicked off in Abonema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (AKULGA), Rivers State. The event featured marine displays (boat regatta), cultural dance, traditional masquerade among the people of Akuku-Toru. According to the Chairman of Akaku- Toru Local Government Area, Hon Paul Awoisiku, Akufest (AKULGA Festival) is geared towards reenacting peace and unity amongst the people, particularly against the backdrops of the crisis that erupted in the area some months ago.

Hon Awoisuku in his speech at the occasion observed that though the event was first of its kind in the area, it is intended to be yearly programme by the council to establish the needed bound to unite the people. He however, said that part of the objective is to inculcate the learning culture amongst the children of the area; observing that some of the events would serve to teach the people their cultural heritage.

The representative of the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the event, Mr. K. Amachree, said in his remarks that the state was delighted at what the council is doing as a way to recreating peace and unity in the once troubled area. He noted that the programmes lined up would not only tell the world that peace has come back in the area but would also serve to inform non-residents that the area is safe for them to do their businesses.

At the end of the cultural displays by the various communities, cash prizes were award to the best. Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Mrs. Ekenta Alalibo, said she was delighted at the turnout at the event, adding that it shows that the objective has been achieved. "What we intend doing is to let the youths know that the government is for them, and it is made by them…In the time past, they can't come out. Nobody would even want to come to Abonnema'', stressing that the turnout would serve as a message to outsiders that peace has come to stay in the area.

Kingsley Amajiri

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