PORT HARCOURT – Tension is mounting in parts of Rivers State following the abduction of a local vigilante commander and growing allegations of bandit occupation of forests in Ikwerre communities.
The apex socio-cultural organisation of Ikwerre people, Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, raised the alarm over what it described as increasing incidents of kidnapping, rape and other violent crimes allegedly perpetrated by armed groups operating from forest hideouts.
According to the group, the suspected bandits have established presence in several communities, including Ipo, Iguruta, Omagwa, Omademe, Ogbakiri, Emuoha and Elele, where residents now live in fear.
The development follows the abduction of Collins Ohahuru, commander of a local vigilante outfit codenamed OSPAC in Ipo community, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Ohahuru was reportedly kidnapped earlier this month during a confrontation with the suspected bandits.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed in a statement last week that a pump-action rifle belonging to the abducted vigilante leader was recovered during a joint security operation. However, she gave no update on his whereabouts, stating only that investigations were ongoing.
The lack of clarity over Ohahuru’s fate has heightened anxiety among residents, who fear for their safety amid the continued attacks.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, Godspower Onuekwa, called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and dislodge the armed groups.
He also demanded the unconditional release of the abducted vigilante commander and other residents allegedly being held captive.
“Our women are raped in the farms, men are killed. One Mr D.I. Agu was earlier kidnapped in his cucumber farm in Omueti-Iguruta and released near the airport after a huge ransom was paid to the abductors. These nefarious activities must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to book,” Onuekwa said.
He further disclosed that the organisation’s secretariat was attacked by hoodlums last Tuesday, during which a security guard was tied up for 24 hours while parts of the facility, including the roof, were vandalised.
“Just last Tuesday, the bandits jumped through our fence, tied our security guard for 24 hours and removed over 20 zinc sheets from the newly completed Ogbakor Ikwerre security room,” he added.
Onuekwa appealed to political leaders and well-meaning Ikwerre indigenes to support efforts to strengthen local security infrastructure, including the rebuilding of the Obiri-Ikwerre.
The group expressed sympathy with families of abducted victims and urged Ikwerre people at home and in the diaspora to remain calm but vigilant.
It also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies to restore safety and ensure justice across the affected communities.
