The Rivers State Police Command has recovered the remains of a man who was declared missing in November and arrested two suspects linked to the crime. The police also announced the arrest of 12 suspects over a separate violent attack on a residential estate in Port Harcourt.
The Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed these developments to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. She said the arrests followed careful investigations by the police, especially the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command.
According to Iringe-Koko, the remains recovered were those of late Sampson Worianime, who was declared missing on November 11, 2024. His disappearance had caused concern among family members and residents of his community.
She explained that Worianime went missing after he accompanied an unnamed community youth leader from Ogbogbo Community in the Okrika area of Rivers State. The purpose of the visit, according to police records, was to inspect and measure a parcel of land.
“When he failed to return home, his family became worried and reported the matter to the police,” Iringe-Koko said.
Following the report, the Rivers State Police Command launched an investigation to uncover what happened to the missing man. The case was assigned to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which began intelligence-led operations to trace Worianime’s last movements.
Iringe-Koko said the investigation led to the arrest of two suspects connected to the case. Among those arrested is the Chief Security Officer of Aleto-Eleme Community, a development that has shocked many residents.
“Upon receipt of the petition, we commenced intelligence-led policing, which led to the arrest of two suspects, including the Chief Security Officer of Aleto-Eleme Community,” she said.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to abducting two young men from Okrika Local Government Area. While one of the victims managed to escape, Worianime was not as lucky.
“The suspects admitted that one of the victims escaped, but Sampson Worianime was killed,” Iringe-Koko disclosed.
She said the suspects later led police operatives to a location where Worianime’s remains were buried in a shallow grave. The remains were recovered and are expected to be handed over to the family for proper burial after necessary procedures.
The police spokesperson added that the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators. She said efforts are ongoing to arrest other people believed to have played roles in the crime.
“The suspects are in police custody and assisting with investigations. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime,” she stated.
The killing of Worianime has raised fresh concerns about land-related disputes and insecurity in parts of Rivers State. In many communities, disagreements over land ownership have often led to violence, abductions, and loss of lives.
Residents have called on security agencies to increase surveillance and ensure that community leaders and security personnel do not abuse their positions.
In a separate development, the Rivers State Police Command also announced the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate, located along Mbodo-Aluu Road in Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko said the attack occurred on January 5, 2025, and was allegedly carried out by members of a vigilante group working with hired thugs. According to her, the attackers invaded the estate armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons.
“The assailants allegedly fired gunshots indiscriminately, causing panic and fear among residents of the estate,” she said.
During the attack, several vehicles parked within the estate were destroyed, leaving residents counting their losses. Many families reportedly fled their homes in fear as gunshots echoed through the area.
One of the residents, identified as Stephen Nmacha, sustained a serious gunshot injury during the attack. According to the police, his leg was shattered by a bullet, and he was later abducted by the attackers.
However, police operatives were able to rescue Nmacha during a swift response operation. He is currently receiving medical treatment at a healthcare facility.
“He was later rescued by police operatives and is currently receiving medical treatment,” Iringe-Koko confirmed.
She added that several other residents suffered varying degrees of injuries while trying to escape. Many reportedly ran into nearby bushes to avoid being harmed by the attackers.
The police said several dangerous items were recovered from the suspects. These include one automatic pump-action gun, a live cartridge, spent cartridges, charms, five motorcycles, two minibuses, and a Toyota Sienna bus.
The recovery of charms among the items seized suggests that the attackers may have relied on spiritual means in addition to weapons during the attack.
Speaking on the incidents, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr Olugbenga Adepoju, condemned the attacks, describing them as reckless and unacceptable.
He warned that vigilante groups are expected to operate strictly under the supervision of the police and within the law.
“Vigilante groups are required by law to work under police supervision. We are concerned that this group failed to coordinate with the police before carrying out their actions,” Adepoju said.
The Commissioner questioned why a group meant to protect lives and property would be involved in such violence. He said the police would not tolerate any group or individual taking the law into their own hands.
Adepoju also revealed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects involved in the Unity Estate attack. He said the Akpor Commander of the vigilante group, who is believed to be a key figure in the incident, is currently on the run.
“We are intensifying efforts to arrest all suspects involved, including the Akpor Commander of the vigilante group who is currently at large,” he said.
The Commissioner appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of fleeing suspects.
“We call on members of the public to provide credible information that will assist the command in apprehending those still at large,” Adepoju added.
The recent arrests highlight ongoing security challenges in Rivers State, especially issues related to kidnapping, land disputes, and the misuse of vigilante groups. While vigilante outfits are often set up to support community security, authorities have warned that unchecked activities can lead to abuse and violence.
Residents of affected communities have expressed relief at the police action but also called for sustained efforts to prevent future incidents. Many believe that justice for victims like Sampson Worianime will help restore confidence in law enforcement.