At least 12 suspects have been arrested following a violent attack on a residential estate in Mbodo community, Aluu, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The attack, which happened on Monday afternoon, left one resident with a gunshot injury to the leg and led to his temporary abduction.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko. She said the suspects were arrested after police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call from the area.
According to the police, the attackers stormed the estate in a commando-style operation, firing shots indiscriminately and causing panic among residents. Vehicles and parts of the estate were damaged during the incident, while several residents were injured as they tried to escape.
Iringe-Koko said preliminary investigations showed that the attackers included members of a local vigilante group known as OSPAC, along with hired thugs. The group was said to have come from different communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The police statement said the incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on January 5, 2025. Armed men, carrying pump-action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, reportedly invaded the estate without warning.
“The assailants attacked and fired shots indiscriminately, causing panic and apprehension,” the statement said.
During the attack, a resident identified as Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of the Rumuekini community, was shot in the leg. The police said the bullet shattered his leg before he was abducted by the attackers.
Other residents were not spared, as many sustained varying degrees of injuries while trying to flee. Some residents reportedly ran into nearby bushes to escape the gunmen.
“The attack resulted in the destruction of part of the estate and damage to vehicles,” Iringe-Koko added.
The police said operatives attached to the Choba Police Division quickly mobilised after receiving the distress call. They were later joined by officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.
The combined effort led to the rescue of the abducted victim, Apostle Nmacha, who was taken to a medical facility for treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed, but police sources said he was receiving medical care.
During the operation, 12 suspects were arrested, while several others fled the scene. The police also recovered a number of items believed to have been used during the attack.
Recovered items include one automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, several spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two minibuses and one Siena vehicle.
The police listed the names and details of the 12 suspects arrested in connection with the attack. They include Chinedu Nnodim, 45, from Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State; Joel Wopara, 49, from Rukpokwu; and Wopara Iyke, 45, from Rumuewara, Oraigwe.
Others are Henry Godwin Orumere, 44, who lives along Anaka Abuja Road in Port Harcourt; Chidi Herbert, 47, from Ehi Water, Rumuodumanya; and Wobe Ginikanwa, 44, from Airport Road, Rukpokwu.
Also arrested are Bright Ezekiel, 51, from Ezekiel Road, Nkpolu, Rumuigbo; Ibuchi Choice Ogba, 42, from Rumuwokeata, Ogbogoro; and Okechukwu Igwe, 54, who lives along Airport Road, Rumuodumanya.
The remaining suspects are John Chukwudi, 56, from Rumuchi Road, Ozuoba; Chi Ezekwu, 43, from Ezekwu Avenue, Port Harcourt; and Clement Bassey, 32, from Omachi, Rumuodumanya.
Iringe-Koko also disclosed that two key suspects believed to have coordinated the attack are currently on the run. They are Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince.
She added that the Akpor OSPAC Commander, identified as Azubuike, also known as “Ocean,” who was said to have led the attack, is also at large.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr Olugbenga Adepoju, strongly condemned the attack. He described the actions of the attackers, especially members of the vigilante group, as reckless and unacceptable.
Adepoju said vigilante groups like OSPAC are expected to work under the supervision of the police and not take the law into their own hands.
“OSPAC operatives are expected to operate strictly under police supervision and in synergy with the command,” he said.
The police commissioner warned that no individual or group would be allowed to disturb the peace of the state under any excuse.
“Under my watch, the police will not tolerate any individual or group, under any guise, disrupting the peace and security of the state,” Adepoju said.
He assured residents of Rivers State that the police were committed to protecting lives and property and would ensure that all suspects involved in the attack are brought to justice.
The police have called on members of the public to assist with information that could help in arresting the fleeing suspects. Residents with useful information were urged to report to the nearest police station.
Iringe-Koko said the command would continue to investigate the incident to uncover the full details and identify all those involved.
The attack is coming amid growing concerns over thuggery and violent crimes in parts of Rivers State. In recent months, there have been reports of clashes involving armed groups, cult-related violence and attacks on security personnel.
In December, the Rivers State Police Command arrested five suspects linked to an attack on police officers at a filling station in Elioparanwo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. During that incident, rifles were stolen from the police, raising fears about the spread of illegal weapons.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down the suspects who escaped with the stolen weapons.
Residents of Mbodo and surrounding communities expressed shock over the attack, saying such violence was unusual for the area. Some residents called for stricter monitoring of vigilante groups to prevent abuse of power.
A resident who spoke anonymously said, “We support community security, but what happened here is criminal. Shooting people and destroying property is not protection.”