Residents of the Ipo Community in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area were terrified when a vigilante leader was allegedly kidnapped after a gun duel between security forces and suspected robbers.
The vigilante leader, simply known as Ohahuru, had led a group of men in search of the bandits who allegedly invaded the area’s shrubs and forests, but he went missing shortly after.
A community source who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of being named verified the incident to our correspondent, stating that it occurred on Friday.
He stated that as word spread about the presence of unusual people in the bushes, the vigilante chairman mobilized the local vigilante organization in the region, the Ipo Security Planning and Advisory Committee, dubbed ‘ISPAC.’
The source said that the vigilante squad went with some officers but regretted that the security team was met with tough opposition and heavy weapons in the bush by the invaders, even as he claimed that the vigilante leader was held captive by the bandits and his whereabouts are unknown.
“On Saturday, some farmers came back home when they saw strange people with guns inside the bush, and because of that, vigilante people and some policemen entered the bush to look for them (assailants).
“The vigilante people got there, and those bandits opened fire on them. They have sophisticated weapons. After that, the leader of the ISPAC has not returned. They are still looking for him,” he disclosed.
According to the source, the development has heightened tensions in the neighborhood, with residents concerned about the presence of suspected bandits.
When contacted, Blessing Agabe, spokeswoman for the state police command, stated that, while the information on the case is unclear, an inquiry is underway to determine the true scenario.
Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police, claimed, “Investigation is ongoing on that matter. We don’t have a clear picture yet, but the investigation is ongoing. As soon as I have clear information, I will issue a statement.”
In recent years, Rivers State, particularly its rural and riverine populations, has seen increased insecurity, including cult-related killings, kidnappings, and sporadic armed attacks.
Security worries have also been heightened by tales of criminal elements crossing state borders, with some villages warning of an influx of suspected bandits into forested areas.
