Reports available to National Network indicate that there is a seeming rise in robbery activities in some parts of Port Harcourt due to lockdown and market closure announced by Rivers State Government as a means of curtailing spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Some residents of Diobu axis of the city who spoke to National Network alleged that there is a surge in phone theft, burglary, and other crime.
In a Telephone interview with our reporter, the Secretary of Diobu vigilante Prince Amatari disclosed that the security outfit has been receiving several calls from residents on robbery activities and other crimes since the closure of markets and lockdown commenced.
Mr Amatari stated that the vigilante outfit is working inconjuction with the Police to curtail the increase in crime rate.
The spokesperson of Rivers State Police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP) Nnamdi Omoni had in a statement confirmed that the command has received reports of criminal activities in parts of D-line and Diobu axis but is not resting on its oars to ensure safety of lives and property.
Investigations by our report show that some ‘agberos’ and hoodlums who normally hang around markets to extort traders are now aiding traders and providing cover for them to sell in adjoining streets that have close proximity to markets which have been ordered to close by the State Government.
Sources revealed that the ‘agberos’ and hoodlums in streets like Timber, Ikom, Ekwe, Ojiebu, in Diobu collects ‘marching ground’ fee ranging from 200 to 500 naira daily per trader demanding on what the person deals on.
Dependable sources told our reporter that the Covid-19 task of Port Harcourt local Government area led by the Chairman, Victor Ihunwo last Sunday stormed Timber, Ikom, Ekwe where some of the illegal markets are operated by hoodlums and dislodged the traders.
The source stated that the continuous operation of illegal markets with close proximity to markets that have been shut down by the state Government may be responsible for the recent decision taken by the Governor, Nyesom Wike that placed some parts of Port Harcourt on lockdown with effect from Sunday 19,April 2020.
Meanwhile, residents of Diobu and Town axis affected by the lockdown have appealed to the Governor to re-consider his decision and save them from the hardship they are facing.
