Rising Robbery Attacks Spark Safety Concerns Across Port Harcourt
Residents of Port Harcourt are raising alarm over increasing incidents of violent attacks and robbery along major routes in the city, particularly during evening hours.
Findings indicate that criminal gangs operate with little restraint along the Oil Mill Market–Eleme Junction axis, especially from about 6:30 p.m. onwards. Victims allege that the attackers, often armed with knives and other weapons, move in groups large enough to overpower unsuspecting commuters, leaving them robbed, injured, or in some cases, dead.
A recent incident highlighted the severity of the situation. Sources told Kristina Reports that a middle-aged man was allegedly stabbed near the Eleme Junction flyover and left in a pool of blood. Disturbingly, his corpse was reportedly still at the scene two days after the attack, raising concerns about emergency response and public safety management.
Some commuters have also accused certain commercial mini-bus drivers of complicity in these attacks. According to reports, such drivers feign mechanical faults or fuel shortages around targeted locations, deliberately stalling vehicles to give hoodlums the opportunity to strike.
The menace is not confined to the Oil Mill–Eleme axis. Other hotspots identified by residents include Rumuokurushi Junction, Rumuola Junction, Obiri-Ikwerre Flyover, and the Artillery area along Aba Road.
One survivor, Godknows Eze-Kpabee, recounted his near-fatal experience after being attacked earlier this month. Speaking to Kristina Reports following his discharge from hospital, he narrated:
“On 2nd June, 2026, I closed from work around some minutes to 9pm. I entered Keke at Kilimanjaro by Aba road going to Artillery, some guys where inside the Keke, I thought they were passengers.
On getting to CIWA by Artillery, the Keke man stopped, the boys inside the Keke started stabbing me, the one in front putting his hands in my pocket to collect my phone and belongings, I tried to escape as I didn’t know if they were assassins or thieves. One of them brought out gun and shut me, luckily it bruised my rips, they ran away with my phone and bag containing my power bank and charger”
The growing trend has sparked criticism of security efforts, with some residents questioning whether the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is doing enough to curb the menace.
Commuters are advised to remain vigilant, especially when traveling at night. Safety experts recommend avoiding late-hour drop-offs at known hotspots and staying alert while inside public transport.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement addressing the latest concerns, but residents continue to call for increased patrols, better surveillance, and stricter monitoring of commercial transport operators to restore confidence and safety on Port Harcourt roads.
