The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide has demanded the removal of suspected bandits from forests in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Its President-General, Dr Godspower Onuekwa, made the call in a statement issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt, citing escalating insecurity in communities including Ipo, Igwuruta, Omagwa, Omademe, Ogbakiri, Emohua and Elele. He alleged that armed bandits equipped with sophisticated weapons have disrupted farming and economic activities, making life unbearable for residents. Onuekwa referenced an April 8 incident in Ipo community where a couple was kidnapped, and a vigilante group attempting rescue was overpowered, with their leader abducted. He said women on farms have faced attacks, including rape, maiming and killings, and described the current insecurity as unacceptable. The group called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government and security agencies to conduct sustained operations to dislodge the bandits and secure the release of abductees. Onuekwa urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies. Attempts to get a response from Rivers State Police Command spokesperson ASP Blessing Agabe were unsuccessful despite repeated calls and messages, even after she had earlier promised to comment.
Dr Godspower Onuekwa highlights insecurity in Ikwerre communities hosting the Port Harcourt International Airport, yet no official security response has been recorded. Residents in Ipo, Omagwa and other listed areas face abduction and violence while authorities remain silent. The failure to respond to media enquiries from the police spokesperson deepens uncertainty about intervention efforts. Nigerians in these communities are left exposed despite living near critical national infrastructure.
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