The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects and recovered an automatic pump-action gun following a violent attack on Unity Estate along Mbodo–Aluu, Airport Road, Port Harcourt, which left several residents injured and property destroyed.
The attack occurred on January 5, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m., when suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group, drawn from communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, allegedly mobilised hired thugs armed with firearms, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons and invaded the estate, firing shots indiscriminately and causing widespread panic.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was allegedly coordinated by one Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, both of whom are currently at large. The Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, also known as Ocean, who reportedly led the attack, is likewise on the run.
The violence resulted in the partial destruction of the estate and damage to several vehicles.
One resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of Rumuekini Community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, which was shattered.
He was abducted by the assailants but was later rescued by police operatives. Several other victims reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries and fled into nearby bushes to escape the attack.
Police operatives attached to the Choba Division, upon receiving a distress call, swiftly mobilised to the scene and were reinforced by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams. The abducted victim was subsequently rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and one Siena van.
The suspects arrested are: Chinedu Nnodim (45), Joel Wopara (49), Wopara Iyke (45), Henry Godwin Orumere (44), Chidi Herbert (47), Wobe Ginikanwa (44), Bright Ezekiel (51), Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba (42), Okechukwu Igwe (54), John Chukwudi (56), Chi Ezekwu (43) and Clement Bassey (32).
Condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, described the actions of the OSPAC operatives as reckless and unlawful, stressing that vigilante groups are expected to operate strictly under police supervision and in synergy with the Command.
He assured residents of Rivers State of their safety, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend all fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
The police, he said, would not tolerate any individual or group acting under any guise to disrupt peace and security in the state.
Members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspects at large were urged to assist the police or report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
