Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
Who can stop what's going on? How can what is going on be stopped? These may indeed be the questions on the minds of those who are feeling the heat. From Aggrey Road to Victoria Street, Bende Street to Bonny Street and Creek Road, people are losing their freedom, dispossessed of their cash, phones and trinkets.
Who can stop what's going on? How can what is going on be stopped? These may indeed be the questions on the minds of those who are feeling the heat.
From Aggrey Road to Victoria Street, Bende Street to Bonny Street and Creek Road, people are losing their freedom, dispossessed of their cash, phones and trinkets.
In fact, it is as if the new wave of crime is spreading like a bush fire across the city.
Now, the story is that drinking pubs have become targets as well.
In the waterfront settlement areas, the situation is perhaps worse. Men, women and children are increasingly being held hostage, fearful they would get into trouble if they cough.
All of a sudden, a real problem is emerging on the hands of society, even as the government's carefully brokered peace process faces increasing threat.
Times were when policemen were dreaded. Now, the lives of policemen mean nothing.
They are increasingly being gunned down with reckless abandon.
In the barracks where those who know them reside, there is so much mourning. So much sorrow, and so much tears as families of these men weep.
No one is sure what is causing this new wave of trouble.
Some allege it is the difference between Ateke Tom and Soboma George that is responsible.
Some say the warlords, Asari Dokubo and Ateke have lost control, claiming their groups have split many times over, throwing up new groups that are probably only under the control of emerging leadership that may not be well known.
No one from the press has been able to reach Soboma in prison but he is said to deny any knowledge of what is going on, even as his name is being linked to it.
Some say, even casually that the boys, whoever they are, are angry, angry over what they say is the collapse of a rehabilitation dream.
Others say, perhaps, the splinter groups want to attract sufficient attention from government by trying to prove that their leaders are not the only ones to talk with.
Yet, there is the question of the fight over territory which preceded the latest wave of unrest
The situation, most residents who reside within the areas affected by
Sources close to the police say the force has stepped up patrols in the old township areas, especially in the evening hours.
Like it, hate it, truth is, the heat is on and nowhere in the old township areas is sacrosanct, not any more.
Gangsterism is on the rise and everywhere people are falling prey, losing precious belongings including cash, phones and trinkets.
The police are supposed to keep the peace. Now, they like the rest of society are threatened and out-flanked.
All of a sudden law and order is threatened and fear is growing is growing as terror once more advances.