With the seizure of suspected kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah , in 2013, it was assumed that Kokori, his country-home in Ethiope-East Local Government Area, Delta State, will gain some breather, but contrary is the case.
In fact, kidnapping, robbery and other vices have continued unabated in the community despite the presence of a military troop in the town. Ekpan in Uvwie local government area use to be the breeding ground of crisis in the state, but Kokori has taken over the nightstick.
At the sunset of 2014, the Perekere of Oporomor Kingdom in Bayelsa state, His Royal Majesty, King Augustine Ebikeme was abducted by kidnappers in Kokori.
The royal father who is also the spiritual leader of Egbesu, the Ijaw war deity and first vice chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, was rescued days later at an uncompleted building in the swampy area of the town.
Gang holds residents hostage
A criminal gang is currently holding the community hostage and had set up a parallel government to the community’s recognized leadership. Second-in-Command to the Okakuro (most senior person in Kokori), one Edjosere, was shot dead by the boys, December, last year, for allegedly refusing to dance to their tune.
A resident, Elder Umukoro, told Niger Delta Voice, “Life in Kokori has never been the same again since the youths took to kidnapping, can you imagine we do not sleep with two eyes closed anymore?
“The youths, despite the heavy presence of the military, steal rob with impunity. They break into houses at will, they also kidnap people for any amount, they can kidnap for N5, 000; N10, 000 etc.
“The other day, youths came to obstruct a traditional marriage, saying that they must be settled or the party will end, they were openly brandishing guns and cutlasses.
“The painful thing is that the small kids have learnt from them and the town looks uncontrollable as small boys threatens everyone and get away.”
Another resident, who craved anonymity, said that the situation was getting a bit better with the arrest and killing of some suspected criminals recently.
Kidnap and counter-kidnap
“A family was arrested by soldiers recently because their son was involved in kidnapping.
“Another kidnap group kidnapped and killed his father, so he mobilized to go and fight the other group. We heard that soldiers killed three of the gang that killed the man; they also arrested the boy’s family members.
“We are happy now that they have started fighting them-selves; we are now experiencing some peace,” he asserted.
Lawlessness
Mrs. Blackky Joseph added, “The situation was so bad, youths break into houses on daily basis and steal anything even food items, the other day my niece was getting married and some youths, numbering over 10 came with guns, cutlasses and demanded that that they should be given money and drinks as settlement if not they will unleash mayhem.”
Her words: “The soldiers seem to be looking the other way while residents are trampled upon by these boys, they feel comfortable staying in Kokori, they do not want to leave, hence they love the trouble to continue.
“The army subjects us to all sorts of ill treatment, you must raise your hands above your head when passing through their check point, any car coming into the community must drop all occupants to trek through the check point, yet the youths perpetrate all these evils in the community,” she added.
A youth, who refused to mention his name, said, “I think the soldiers have been compromised, I sense they do not want to leave again because they are happy with what is happening there.
“The other day, I was compelled to raise my hands when I went for a party. I felt so humiliated; the place has lost its booming and bustling activities. If they want to end the trouble, I know they can do it, but I feel they are happy.”
New dawn in Kokori!
But a villager told Niger Delta Voice, weekend, “I am speaking to you from Kokori, the story of Kokori has changed.
“Kidnappers and other criminals are now on the run from the town, our vigilante boys, Bakassi rose against them. They asked the soldiers to step aside and went after them by themselves.
”I can confidently tell you that there is peace in Kokori today, the criminals are on the run, they killed those they sighted and others escaped. I do not think they will come back again to Kokori.”
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