Open Letter To Rivers State Police Commissioner On Kidnapping, Land Grabbing In Igbo-Etche, Other Communities

The Commissioner Of Police,
Nigeria Police Force,
Rivers State Command,
Moscow Road Portharcourt.

Sir,

KIDNAPPING, LAND GRABBING, ARMED ROBBERY AND OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN IGBO-ETCHE AND OTHER COMMUNITIES IN ETCHE LOCAL GOVERMENT AREA.

I bring you the warmest assurances of my esteemed regards while hoping that you read this letter with an open mind and the readiness to swing into action where necessary.

I write this letter with all sense of responsibility, patriotism and humility, firstly, as an indigene of Etche Local Government Area who is passionate about development, security of life and property in Etche land.

Secondly, I write as a passionate and dedicated Ombudsman who has served the nation under the Public Complaints Commission, representing both Rivers and Bayelsa States, within which period I was instrumental in resolving several conflicts through dialogue and inter-agency collaborations.

I write to bring to your attention the sustained, notorious and geometric rise in criminal activities, including kidnapping, land grabbing, armed robbery, and the sale of harmful drugs in Igbo-Etche. These criminals have taken over Igbo Etche, turned it into a theater of crime, grabbing and selling the lands of both indigens and non indigens, oppressing and intimidating anybody who dares challenge or speak against them.

They connived with some community chiefs, youth leaders, lawyers, politicians and some security agents to execute their criminal activity of land grabbing. This has made it difficult for their victims to fight them and get justice. Many people have lost their lives and properties to this syndicate and those who went to court were frustrated with the rigorous court processes.

People’s farm lands have been destroyed. Women do not have access to their farms anymore because of fear of being attacked, kidnapped and killed by the notorious land grabbers, thereby causing increased hunger and starvation in the community.

And like a raging inferno that grabs and consumes anything it touches, the land grabbers have also entered Chokocho, Odoagwa, Ulakwo and Abara communities, and some part of Ozuzu in Etche Local Government, grabbing and selling people’s land with unabashed impunity and menacing boldness. They seem to have the capacity and instruments including the financial impetus, political connections, manpower and arms to maim and kill anybody who challenges them.

Armed robbers and kidnappers are also having a field day in Igbo-Etche axis of Etche Local Government Area. Some of the armed robbers and kidnappers arrested recently by the police confessed to have been using Igbo-Etche as a dump where they keep their victims until ransom is paid. And we have seen many kidnap victims being rescued by the Police at Igbo-Etche. It’s no longer news that Igbo-Etche has become one of the many axis of crime in Rivers State.

These criminal activities have had a devastating impact on the community. They have destroyed the economy of Igbo-Etche and painted Etche Local Government Area in bad light. Genuine land developers and investors are scared of Igbo-Etche.

Kidnapping incidents has instilled a sense of fear and uncertainty among residents, making them feel unsafe in their own homes and communities. Land grabbing has resulted in disputes and conflicts, leading to a breakdown of law and cohesion within the community. Armed robbery cases have left many residents traumatized and devastated, disrupting their sense of security and well-being.

To address these urgent issues, I would like to suggest the following measures:

1. Invite some selected Chiefs, traditional rulers, community leaders including the youth leaders and CDC Chairmen, Local Government Council Chairman and some political leaders from Igbo-Etche for a meeting. The essence of the meeting would be to find out the remote and immediate cause of land grabbing and other criminal activities in Igbo-Etche and come up with a resolution.

2. Conduct a public hearing on land grabbing in Igbo-Etche. This will afford victims the opportunity to express their disgust and openly and directly present their cases to you.

3. Collaborate with some chiefs and stakeholders to establish community policing programs that will foster trust, intelligent gathering, communication, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and residents.

4. Launch targeted operations to dismantle criminal organizations involved in kidnapping, land grabbing, armed robbery, and drug trafficking and bring them to justice.

5. Naming and Shaming. In conjunction with public hearing, “naming and shaming” is often used as an enforcement mechanism to rally popular opinion against and, in turn, discourage certain kinds of behavior or enterprises. This mechanism can be used to discourage land grabbing in Igbo-Etche by publicly calling out those involved.

6. Set up a tactical Police Unit in a strategic location and hotspot at Igbo-Etche for effective patrol, monitoring and arrest of the criminals. Provide emergency phone numbers for people to call when they suspect or envisage criminal activities. This will deter criminal elements, enhance community safety and increase the confidence of residents of Igbo-Etche.

7. collaborate with the Local Government Council for strategic support, intelligence gathering and local security engagement and mobilization.

8. Collaborate with sister security agents like the army and civil defense in Etche Local Government Area for effective joint operation in Igbo-Etche.

I must not fail to commend the Rivers State Police command under your watch as Commissioner for the sacrifice and commitment they have demonstrated in fighting criminals and securing the lives and properties of Rivers State residents. This is evidenced by the recent arrest and prosecution of armed robbers, kidnappers and members of street gangs, cults and sellers of harmful drugs and substances.

I hope you accepts this letter in good faith and take genuine steps toward implementing the suggestions made as it will place your name in the heart of Etche people, give justice to the victims of land grabbing and reduce criminal activities in Igbo-Etche and other parts of Etche.

Once again, do accept the warmest assurances of my esteemed regards.

Marshall Israel,
Ombudsman, Mediator, Peace-builder
and Conciliator.

April 2nd, 2024.