Rivers:Traditional rulers say they are determined to partner security operatives on surveillance

By Ikuru Lizzy

Security

Ikuru Town (Rivers) July 1, 2019 (NAN) Traditional rulers’ council in Rivers under the aegis of “Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council/Chiefs”, have expressed determination to synergize with security operatives to step up surveillance on coastal communities.

His Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, the Paramount Ruler of Ikuru Town and Chairman of the council made the assertion on Sunday June 30,2019 after a thanksgiving service at St. Simons Anglican Church, Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

The service was to thank God for the released Lebanese construction workers abducted in Andoni territory.

Ikuru on behalf of the council assured the people that the area would no longer be a safe heaven for criminals as there were redoubled synergy with relevant security agencies, a strategy aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminalities in the area.

NAN reports that three Lebanese construction workers who were kidnapped on site in Andoni Local Government Area had regained freedom.

While in their abductors’ nest, the state government had threatened to dethrone traditional rulers of the area if the foreigners were not released.

The paramount ruler said that consequently, the security agencies in collaboration with traditional rulers in the area worked in synergy until they were released after two weeks.

“We are advising our youths, especially those ones who call themselves militants to retrace their steps and return to the fold.

“For those of them who are willing to surrender their arms to the local government council, such ones will be entitled to an immediate reward.

“And for those strangers who sneak into Andoni through our coast, they should know its no longer business as usual because the state government is very worried and more than ever before.

“The search light is now beamed on Andoni, so any body aiding or abetting any form of crime in this area should desist forthwith.

“We are now abreast with their tactics, remember that when men have learnt how to shoot without missing, the birds learn how to fly without perching.

“This time around, the state government is ready to take the war against insecurity to all nooks and cranny of the state and we won’t relent in assisting to achieve success in this laudable initiative.

“For those of them who are indigenes of Andoni, we strongly advice them to change their ways or relocate because those people they call their friends have already exposed them by way of information, so this place is no longer safe for kidnappers,” he said.

That paramount ruler thanked security operatives, the state, local government and well meaning people of Andoni for their support, especially on intelligence gathering.

He called on the state government to ensure completion of the road project which he described as pivotal to the economy of the area. (NAN)