LG Chairman Exposes Police
Chairman of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers raises the alarm over police involvement in land disputes in the area
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Chairman of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, has raised alarm over the incessant interference of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Rivers State Police Command in connection with land-related disputes in Etche, particularly in Igbo-Etche.
Njoku, who expressed concern over the development, alleged that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, reportedly led by CSP Martins Samuel, has increasingly become involved in land matters and disputes in Igbo-Etche, thereby creating additional challenges for the peaceful resolution of land-related issues in the area.
He expressed dismay over the involvement of the anti-kidnapping unit in land disputes, stressing that the primary responsibility of the unit should be to combat kidnapping and other related criminal activities and protect residents of Etche Local Government Area.
According to him, the alleged involvement of the unit in land matters has become a source of concern to the people of Etche, particularly residents of Igbo-Etche, and has the potential to undermine ongoing efforts by the council to maintain peace and resolve community disputes.
Njoku said: “I want to know if the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has become a unit for land matters in Etche Local Government Area. The people of Etche deserve to feel safe and protected, and every security agency operating in the area must remain focused on its statutory responsibilities. We want to also know if the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has become a land unit of Rivers State Police Command. Inspector-General of Police, IG, Sir, has the police created an Anti-Land Unit of the Force?
The council chairman further called on the leadership of Rivers State Police Command to critically examine the activities of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in relation to land disputes in Etche and determine whether its involvement in such matters falls within its mandate.
According to a statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary, Dagogo Isaac, dated September 8, 2026, the council boss appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, to urgently investigate the allegations surrounding the activities of the unit and take appropriate measures where necessary to prevent any abuse of authority and ensure the safety of residents and public officials in Etche.
Njoku emphasized that the alleged activities of the unit have become a matter of serious concern to the security and well-being of the people of Etche, stressing that no individual or institution should be allowed to take actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the local government area.
He reiterated the commitment of the Etche Local Government Council to promoting peace, unity and peaceful resolution of disputes among communities, while assuring residents that the council would continue to take all lawful and necessary measures to protect the interests of the people.
