A public speaker and resident of Port Harcourt, Stewart Ezekiel, has raised concerns over what he described as a recent spike in criminal activities in the city, particularly incidents involving “one-chance” robberies and attempted kidnappings.
Ezekiel disclosed that within the past week, at least three individuals known to him have fallen victim to one-chance operations, while another person narrowly escaped a kidnap attempt on Tuesday night.
Expressing frustration over the situation, he criticised the state of governance in Rivers State, stating that he has little confidence in the authorities to address the growing insecurity.
He, however, urged residents to take personal responsibility for their safety by remaining vigilant and security-conscious in their daily activities.
The resident advised commuters to avoid boarding vehicles indiscriminately, recommending instead the use of designated motor parks where possible.
He also suggested that individuals share details of their movements with trusted contacts and, where feasible, document vehicle information before boarding.
Ezekiel further cautioned against unnecessary late-night travel, particularly in areas considered high-risk, and encouraged residents to promptly report any suspicious activity within their neighbourhoods.
He noted that worsening economic conditions may be contributing to the rise in crime, with individuals resorting to illegal means to survive.
The warning comes amid broader concerns about increasing crime rates across parts of the country, with residents in urban centres calling for improved security measures to safeguard lives and property
