A Joint Security Taskforce has been deployed to Andoni Local Government Area to check the activities of rampaging rival cult groups which led to the displacement of over five thousand people from 14 riverine communities of the local government.
The displaced persons are now being catered for at an IDP camp in Khana Local Government Area.
This comes barely five days after the Council Chairman, Erastus Charles Awortu (Esq), pledged to ensure that the displaced persons safely return to their homes within one week.
The move which is part of the ongoing peace process initiated by the Andoni council boss is aimed at ensuring that lasting peace return to the affected communities.
The Divisional Police Officer of Unyeada Police Division in Andoni, Gede Diamond, confirmed the deployment of the Joint Security Taskforce to the affected communities.
The Joint Security Taskforce comprised of the military from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, men of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Rivers State Police Command and that of the C4i security outfit recently established by the Rivers State Government.
It was reported that a military gunboat and over ten speed boats were also deployed alongside the Joint Security Taskforce to effectively patrol the waterways to forestall further cult related violence and maintain peace in the affected communities.
Some members of the affected communities who stayed back in the wake of cult related violence expressed delight at the deployment of the security forces to restore and maintain peace in the area.
They commended the Andoni Council Chairman, Erastus Charles Awortu (Esq), for taking proactive, decisive and swift steps towards restoring peace in the affected communities and guaranteeing the safety of the people.
