Bandits Overrun Ikwerre Communities as Authorities Remain Silent — Ogbakor-Ikwerre President General Raises Alarm
The President General of the Ogbakor-Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Godspower Onuekwa, has raised serious concerns over a surge in violent attacks in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, warning that suspected bandits have effectively taken control of forested areas and are terrorising residents.
Speaking during a press briefing on April 23, Onuekwa described a deteriorating security situation marked by frequent kidnappings and armed assaults across communities such as Igwuruta, Omademe, and Omagwa. He said the attackers, believed to be heavily armed, have intensified their operations in recent weeks, leaving residents in constant fear.
“These bandits are armed with sophisticated weapons and have made life more unbearable for our people,” he stated.
He recounted a particularly troubling incident on April 8, when a couple was abducted by the armed group. According to him, efforts by local vigilante members to rescue the victims were thwarted after they were confronted by more than 200 armed men. The rescue mission failed, and the attackers reportedly overpowered the vigilantes.
Onuekwa further disclosed that the leader of the local vigilante group, identified as Collins, was also kidnapped during the confrontation.
Efforts to obtain an official response from authorities were unsuccessful. The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information, Sirawoo Honour, requested a link to the media briefing before responding. Although the link was shared, subsequent follow-up attempts were not answered.
The situation has heightened concerns about the capacity and responsiveness of security agencies, as residents continue to call for urgent intervention to restore safety and order in the affected communities.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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