A criminal gang is currently holding the community of Kokori 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.

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