Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Authorities in Rivers State have apprehended a dozen individuals following a violent incident at Unity Estate in Mbodo-Aluu that left the community reeling. The police reported that members of a local vigilante group, along with hired thugs, launched an indiscriminate attack on January 5, leading to widespread chaos and injuries.
According to a statement from the Rivers State Police Command, the confrontation erupted around 1:15 PM when armed individuals, identified as part of the OSPAC vigilante group, invaded the estate. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic as the attackers discharged firearms and wielded various weapons, including cutlasses, instigating fear among residents.
CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the police, indicated that the operation was allegedly orchestrated by two suspects, Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, both of whom remain at large. The disturbance not only caused physical injuries but also resulted in destruction of property, including damages to vehicles within the estate.
One victim, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, suffered a severe gunshot wound to the leg and was abducted during the assault. Fortunately, police operatives from the nearby Choba Division quickly responded to the emergency call and, following reinforcements from specialized units, succeeded in rescuing the victim. He has since been transferred to a medical facility for urgent care.
The subsequent investigation led to the recovery of a variety of weaponry and vehicles from the suspects, including an automatic pump-action gun, live cartridges, and five motorcycles among other items. The twelve individuals in custody hail from various regions in Rivers State, with ages ranging from 32 to 56.
The alleged leader of the attack, Azubuike, known as “Ocean,” remains at large, raising concerns about ongoing security in the area. Rivers State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, condemned the actions of the assailants and emphasized that OSPAC members must operate within the law and cooperate with the police.
He reassured the public of their safety and underscored the commitment to capturing all suspects involved in this incident to ensure justice is served. Adepoju affirmed that law enforcement will not tolerate any group or individual disrupting peace and order in the state.
Authorities are calling on the community to assist in identifying the remaining suspects and are encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The police remain vigilant as they work to restore calm and security in the affected areas.