By Dianabasi Effiong

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has reaffirmed that the security of lives and property remained the top priority of his administration.

He made this known during a town hall meeting held at the Omuma Local Government Council Headquarters in Eberi.

Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, the Sole Administrator said that the meeting was crucial for understanding the welfare and security challenges faced in the area and for the development of actionable solutions.

The administrator, who restated that security was everyone’s business, urged the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA, Mr. Manager Nwala, to hold regular town hall meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, and youth groups to ensure lasting peace in the area.

He also urged stakeholders to protect government facilities and report suspicious activities promptly.

He also charged the LGA leadership to identify non-functional but impactful projects for government intervention.

Also, the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA said that pressing issues affecting the area included grabbing and politically motivated arrests of Omuma indigenes.

He also listed oil bunkering activities, allegedly aided by intruders from Abia Stat,e as well as alleged misconduct by a serving DPO in the area, also accused of collaborating with criminals in illegal oil theft,t as some of the challenges faced in the council area.

Nwala called for the establishment of additional police posts to enhance security and immediate redeployment of the implicated DPO to curb oil theft.

He also called for Boundary Resolution & Resource Equity in the area.

Similarly, His Royal Highness, Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe, speaking on behalf of the Omuma Council of Chiefs, commended the state government’s efforts in restoring peace.

According to the traditional ruler, Omuma, an oil-producing LGA, is excluded from oil derivation benefits.

He alleged that some oil wells had been wrongly allotted to Abia State, necessitating urgent boundary resolution to prevent future crises.
Representatives from the National Youth Council (Omuma Chapter), women groups, and NYSC members highlighted also raised
the need for youth employment and skills acquisition programmes.

They also called for improved healthcare services at the Omuma General Hospital.

In his response to the concerns raised by stakeholders in the area, CP Adepoju, who represented Vice Adm. Ibas (rtd), assured that the allegations against the DPO would be investigated, and appropriate action taken.

He said that the Rivers State Government would review boundary disputes with Abia State to ensure fair resource allocation.
He said that more security deployments would be made to Omuma to tackle oil bunkering and land grabbing.

He said that the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including healthcare and education facilities, will be prioritised.

The Sole Administrator’s visit underscored the government’s dedication to peace, security, and equitable development in Omuma LGA.

Stakeholders were urged to remain vigilant, support security agencies, and engage constructively with government initiatives.

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