Trans-Kalabari Road: IYC condemns abduction of expatriates

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Kalabari Se-Ikpangi has condemned the abduction of an expatriate staff of Lubric Construction Company (LCC) in-charge of the construction of the Trans-Kalabari road project.

This was made known in statement released to GbaramatuVoice and signed by the Chairman, Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Secretary General, Comrade Tamunosaki West and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Isaiah Johnson Obiechere.

The statement noted that the incident happened on the 9th September 2021, along the Kalabari- Emuoha road precisely at Ahiamkwo axis of the Emuoha LGA after unknown gun men engaged security personnels attached to the construction company in a heavy gun battle.

The statement reads in part:
“The 6th Executive Council of the renowned Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Kalabari Se-Ikpangi has condemned in strong terms the criminal abduction of an expatriate staff of Lubric Construction Company ( LCC) in-charge of the construction of the trans-kalabari road project.

“This despicable incident which occurred on Thursday, 9th September 2021 along the Kalabari- Emuoha road precisely at Ahiamkwo axis of the Emuoha LGA after unknown gun men engaged security personnels attached to the construction company in a heavy gun battle, is highly regrettable and unfortunate.

“As a Pan-ijaw cum Niger Delta group saddled with the responsibility of defending the integrity as well as the socio cultural and political hegemony and interest of the Ijaws especially the Kalabaris in this regard;

“We hereby send a strong warning to the perpetrators of this heinous activity whose only agenda is to cause disaffection amongst the Kalabari people who are known to be a law abiding and peace loving indigenes of Rivers State and the administration of His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON GSSRS POS-Africa, to desist from acts inimical to the overall interest and development of the Kalabari people in general.

“We cannot over emphasize the importance of the trans Kalabari road project which on it’s completion will link the coastal communities of the Kalabari Kingdom to the capital city, Portharcourt. The Multi Million Naira project is guaranteed to boost the socio economic fortunes of the people ; a dream which the people are desirous of seeing to it’s conclusion.

The group hints that it will not fold arms and watch disgruntled elements discredit the hard earned reputation of her people.

“While we are calling on perpetrators of this heinous crime to release the abducted expatriate unharmed and unconditionally, we wish to reiterate our firm resolve in ensuring that the criminal elements hiding amongst the peace loving and law abiding people are fished out and handed over to the appropriate authorities.

“Henceforth, IYC Kalabari Se-Ikpangi will not fold it’s arms and watch disgruntled elements discredit the hard earned reputation of her people, we will deal decisively with any individual or group of persons involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities within our region and in neighbouring communities.

“As a further step towards ensuring our collective safety and security, we want to use this medium to urge sons and daughters of Kalabari extraction as well as those living in the locality to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the authorities.”