Rivers Peace Architecture Urges Collective Action to Sustain Peace
The Rivers State Peace Architecture (SPA) is calling on the government, security agencies, traditional institutions and residents to take collective action to sustain peace and prevent the escalation of conflicts across the state.
The SPA made the call in a statement issued on Monday September 21, 2026 by its state secretary, Samuel Mgbam, in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Peace, with the global theme, “Act Now for a More Peaceful World.”
The organisation expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government, Local Governments, traditional institutions and security agencies for their efforts in maintaining what it described as relative peace in the state.
It also commended members of the state’s Peace Architecture, particularly its Early Warners, for their continued efforts to identify and report potential threats in line with the principle of “see something; say something.”
The SPA however noted that the prevailing peace remains fragile, citing alleged killings of indigenous people by armed herders in Ledor and Mumbai communities in Tai Local Government Area of Ogoni. It also raised concerns over alleged land grabbing in Etche, Eleme and parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
The group further identified infrastructure vandalism, open defecation and other criminal activities, particularly around Eleme Junction, Obio/Akpor and other parts of the state, as issues requiring urgent attention.
The SPA also expressed concern over what it described as the gradual disappearance of Rivers youths from workshops, schools and social activities due to what it called high drug consumption. On the political situation in the state, the organisation warned that evolving political altercations could, if left unchecked, escalate into major crises.
The Peace Architecture therefore called on the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to “TAKE ACTION” to check what it described as the activities of conflict-preneurs. It said such action is necessary to protect the identity, lives and livelihoods of lawful citizens in Ledor and Mumbai communities, as well as investors in the state.
The organisation also urged residents of Rivers State to “TAKE ACTION” to promote social harmony, peace and prosperity across their communities. The SPA called on security agencies to strengthen their Early Warning and Early Response networks, particularly as the state enters the electioneering period, to ensure that Rivers State remains safe for all.
The statement quoted the organisation as saying: “Peace is not just the absence of war, it is the presence of justice, tolerance and collective responsibility.”
It added: “Let us ACT NOW for Peace.” The SPA concluded by wishing Rivers residents a “Happy International Day of Peace.”
