Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Authorities in Rivers State have detained 12 individuals following a violent attack on Unity Estate, located along Airport Road, that left multiple residents injured and one person missing. The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, around 1:15 p.m., when suspected members of the local OSPAC vigilante group, reportedly accompanied by hired thugs, invaded the estate.
Police reports indicate that the assailants were armed with a range of weapons, including pump-action guns and cutlasses. The attackers fired shots indiscriminately, causing widespread panic among the community. CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that this attack was likely orchestrated by two men, Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, who are currently evading capture. The commander of OSPAC, known as “Ocean,” is also wanted in connection with the incident.
The violence resulted in significant property damage and injuries. One victim, Apostle Stephen Nmecha, reportedly sustained a severe gunshot wound that left him with a shattered leg, leading to his abduction by the attackers. Other residents sought refuge in nearby bushes to escape the chaos.
In quick response to the alarming situation, officers from the Choba Division were dispatched after receiving a distress call. They were joined by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams for additional support. The collective efforts of these units successfully led to the rescue of the abducted victim, who was promptly taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
During the operation, police recovered a range of evidence, including one automatic pump-action gun, several cartridges, various charms, and multiple vehicles that are believed to have been used during the attack.
The apprehended suspects, all hailing from Port Harcourt, range in age from 32 to 56 years. Among those arrested are Chinedu Nnodim, Joel Wopara, and Bright Ezekiel, all of whom are now facing charges related to this violent incident.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, condemned the actions of the vigilante group, labeling them as reckless and unacceptable. He emphasized that no individual or group would be permitted to take the law into their own hands and assured the public of ongoing efforts to restore order and public safety in the region.